Baloch Leader Exposes Human Rights Crisis: Pakistan's Military Accused of Genocide in Balochistan

London:

Baloch leader Mehran Marri has delivered a powerful critique of Pakistan's human rights practices in Balochistan, claiming widespread enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and arbitrary detentions that he characterizes as "genocide at full escalation."

Speaking exclusively to ANI, Marri described the situation in the province as "extremely grim," reflecting patterns of systematic oppression spanning decades.

According to Marri, Pakistan's military establishment has not only intensified its crackdowns within Balochistan but has extended what he terms "transnational aggression" into neighboring countries including India and Afghanistan, pursuing Baloch refugees beyond Pakistani borders.

He suggests the military operates with increasing impunity due to strategic relationships with major powers including the United States and China.

Marri contends that Pakistan consistently disguises military operations as counterinsurgency efforts while actually suppressing legitimate political aspirations.

He emphasizes that the Baloch struggle centers on sovereignty, territorial integrity and fundamental human dignity, yet Pakistani authorities repeatedly label it as terrorism or foreign-instigated unrest. "They manipulate the narrative to simplify our struggle," he stated, urging international observers to scrutinize Pakistan's claims.

Criticizing Pakistan's recent export of rare earth minerals to the United States, Marri maintained that Balochistan's resources are being exploited without benefiting local populations.

Likening these minerals to "stolen goods," he advocated for global regulations comparable to those governing conflict diamonds. Despite possessing vast natural wealth and strategic ports, Balochistan remains among Pakistan's most impoverished regions, a disparity Marri attributes to "illegal occupation."

The deteriorating conditions have forced numerous activists, students, and journalists to seek asylum outside the country.

Marri described Balochistan as an "open-air prison," where civilians endure constant surveillance, curfews, and military pressure. "There is no politics. We live in a dungeon," he declared.

He further questioned Pakistan's legitimacy as a nation-state, suggesting it represents a colonial construct maintained by geopolitical interests rather than authentic nationhood. Marri urged the international community to reconsider its recognition of Pakistan, citing its destabilizing influence in the region.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)