Baloch National Gathering: A Stand Against Genocide and Exploitation

Caravans from Balochistan head to Gwadar for a historic gathering against the exploitation and genocide of Baloch people. Despite facing state harassment, organizers and participants remain resolute in their cause, highlighting the crisis of enforced disappearances and ongoing atrocities in the region.

Caravans from across Balochistan are converging on Gwadar for the Baloch National Gathering set for Sunday. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee emphasized that the Baloch people are determined not to remain silent about ongoing genocide and exploitation, and this gathering aims to amplify their collective voice.

The Baloch National Assembly is being hailed as a historic referendum against the genocide and exploitation of Balochistan's resources, disguised as mega projects, and the militarization of the region. Multiple caravans left from various districts on Saturday despite facing harassment from state forces, according to organizers.

The Balochistan Post reported a pre-gathering crackdown by Pakistani authorities, resulting in the detention of several organizers and volunteers. Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti and the local police had vowed to prevent the gathering by force. Activist Mehrang Baloch stated that now is the time for resistance, not silence.

State forces are employing all resources to suppress the Baloch National Gathering, indicative of their fear and cowardice. Mehrang Baloch urged that remaining silent only perpetuates oppression for current and future generations. A shutter down strike has been announced for the entire Makran region, excluding Gwadar, in solidarity with the gathering.

The Balochistan Post unveiled a new report on enforced disappearances, highlighting that the genocide casts a continuing dark shadow over the region. The report documented 19 new enforced disappearances in the past two weeks, with only four individuals later released. Six bodies were also discovered, signaling ongoing atrocities.