Latest news with #FreeBalochistanMovement
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First Post
28-05-2025
- First Post
FirstUp: Verdict likely in French paedophile surgeon case, China to host Pacific Island leaders... Headlines of the day
The verdict is expected in the case of French paedophile surgeon Joel Le Scouarnec who is accused of raping and abusing 299 children during his career. China is set to host leaders from the Pacific Island nations for talks. In Europe, the Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) has planned protests across multiple cities read more Courtroom sketch published on March 13, 2020 of former surgeon Joel Le Scouarnec during his trial in Saintes for the rape and sexual assault of four children. File image/AFP It is set to be a busy Wednesday with several events lined up for the day. Firstly, verdict is expected in the case of French paedophile surgeon Joel Le Scouarnec, accused of raping and abusing 299 child patients during his career. On the other side of the globe, China will be hosting leaders from the Pacific Island nations for talks. China is set to launch its Tianwen-2 asteroid probe and sampling mission today. Meanwhile, a series of coordinated protests will be organised by the Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) across multiple cities in Europe today. In India, the Centre has called a high-level meeting of major e-commerce platforms to address the issue of dark patterns. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here is all that is set to take place throughout the day. Verdict expected in French paedophile surgeon Joel Le Scouarnec's case A verdict is expected in the case of French paedophile surgeon Joel Le Scouarnec today. Le Scouarnec is a French surgeon accused of raping and abusing 299 child patients between 1989 and 2014. He has been on trial since February in Vannes, Brittany, in one of the largest sex abuse cases France has ever seen. Many of the alleged victims were under anaesthesia during the assaults. He is already serving a 15-year prison sentence following a 2020 conviction for abusing four girls, including his nieces and a neighbour. As the three-month trial concludes, victims and child abuse organisations express frustration over the case's lack of attention and anger at the French government's meagre actions to prevent similar future crimes. China to host Pacific Island leaders for talks China is set to host leaders from Pacific Island nations for a summit today in a bid to seek closer ties with the strategic nation, reported news agency AFP. Leaders and diplomats from 11 Pacific Island nations, including Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Fiji, are expected to attend the talks in the eastern Chinese city of Xiamen, informed Beijing's foreign ministry. Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the countries would discuss 'comprehensive exchanges and cooperation between China and Pacific Island countries, as well as international regional issues of common concern'. He added Beijing 'attaches great importance to its relations with Pacific island countries' and looks forward to 'jointly building a closer China-Pacific island community with a shared future. China to launch Tianwen-2 asteroid sampling mission China's Tianwen-2 mission will mark the country's first attempt to survey and sample an asteroid and put it in league with the US, Russia and Japan. The Tianwen-2 mission will focus on investigating Kamo'oalewa, an asteroid that orbits the sun at a distance relatively near Earth, reported The Times Of India. China will launch Tianwen-2 mission to study and sample an asteroid. Representational image/Reuters The report further stated that the entire mission could last a decade. If it successfully retrieves and returns samples from the asteroid, it will continue to explore the solar system with a second trip to the main asteroid belt, stated TOI. Free Balochistan protests planned in Europe The Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) has planned to hold protests in various places across European cities today. Notably, May 28 marks the 27th anniversary of Pakistan's nuclear tests. As reported by news agency ANI, these demonstrations seek international acknowledgement of the enduring human, environmental and health consequences stemming from the nuclear detonations conducted in Balochistan's Chagai district in 1998. A demonstration will be held outside the official residence of the UK prime minister at 10 Downing Street. Another protest will take place at Hamburg Central Station in Germany while in Finland, a march is scheduled starting from the Parliament to Citizen Square in Helsinki. The final one will take place outside the International Court of Justice in the Netherlands. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Centre to hold high-level meeting with e-commerce platforms The Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs is slated to conduct a high-level meeting involving key e-commerce and quick commerce platforms. This convocation aims to address the growing concerns surrounding 'dark patterns,' which are defined as deceptive online design tactics that invariably mislead users into making choices they did not originally intend. The meeting, to be chaired by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi, will see participation from a wide range of companies across sectors like food delivery, pharmacy, cosmetics, travel, fashion, retail and electronics, reported news website Moneycontrol. Some of the companies are Amazon, Flipkart, 1mg, Apple, BigBasket, Meesho, Meta, MakeMyTrip, Paytm, Ola, Reliance Retail, Swiggy and Zomato.
News18
24-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
Baloch Leader Urges PM Modi To Support 'Free Balochistan Movement', Lauds Indus Treaty Suspension
Last Updated: The Baloch leader condemned Pakistan for decades of atrocities against the Baloch people, including enforced disappearances, torture, and genocide. Tara Chand, President of the Baloch American Congress, urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday to provide substantial support to the 'Free Balochistan Movement'. In a strongly worded letter made public, Chand condemned Pakistan for decades of atrocities against the Baloch people, including enforced disappearances, torture, and genocide. In a post on X, Chand wrote: 'I have written a letter to Prime Minister Modi… Urging @narendramodi to lend meaningful support for a free #Balochistan! The Baloch people face oppression and genocide under Pakistan's regime. A free Balochistan would be a blessing for peace-loving India. Stand with us for justice!" He also attached the letter with his post. I have written a letter to Prime Minister Modi which is attached in the tweet. 📢 Urging @narendramodi to lend meaningful support for a free #Balochistan! The Baloch people face oppression and genocide under Pakistan's regime. A free Balochistan would be a blessing for… — Dr. Tara Chand (@drtchand) May 23, 2025 This appeal was conveyed through two formal letters sent on behalf of the Baloch American Congress, directly addressed to the Prime Minister's Office in Delhi. In his communication, Chand expresses appreciation for the Indian leadership's prior attention to the Balochistan issue, particularly noting PM Modi's remarks during his Red Fort speech, which he sees as a demonstration of moral support that inspired hope among the oppressed Baloch population globally. He asserted that the Baloch people have suffered genocidal-like acts committed by a "jihadist army" supported by Pakistan's dominant military establishment at Rawalpindi GHQ. "Governed by a jihadist army, this poorly conceived country is accountable for the disappearances, torture, deaths, and displacement of thousands of my countrymen," the letter claims. He stressed that these actions are part of a larger campaign to suppress the Baloch national liberation movement, which has been ongoing for several decades. He also pointed out that China's involvement in Balochistan as a colonial force presents an additional geopolitical danger. Tara Chand expressed disappointment that the Baloch national liberation movement has not gained international visibility, noting, "Outside of the Indian media, there is scant acknowledgement of the atrocities committed by the Pakistani state in Occupied Balochistan." He urged India to assume a leading role on the global stage in raising awareness about this situation. "Without substantial moral and political backing from the state level, Pakistan and its allies could extinguish the national resistance of the Baloch people, ushering in a new, more ominous phase of colonialism in Balochistan," the letter indicates. The document highlighted that Balochistan's abundant natural resources and strategic coastal position are crucial for regional stability. Baloch Leader On Indus Treaty Chand also commended Prime Minister Modi's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, characterising it as a courageous move that conveys a powerful message to Pakistan. "I commend your astute decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty on hold and to clarify to the jihadist generals of Pakistan that blood and water cannot coexist," the letter quotes. He stressed that the Baloch people hold high hopes for India's leadership and are looking towards the Indian government with optimism. The Baloch American Congress (BAC) is a registered political entity that aims to advocate for the Baloch national struggle for the right to self-determination and to defend the socio-cultural and political rights of the Baloch Diaspora in the United States. First Published:
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Republic of Balochistan announced' trends on social media as Baloch leaders declare independence from Pakistan
'We have claimed our independence' Live Events Call for UN peacekeeping mission Free Balochistan Movement leader requests India to rename Jinnah's House to 'Balochistan House' (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The " Republic of Balochistan announced " began trending on social media after Baloch leaders, including activist Mir Yar Baloch , declared Balochistan's independence from Pakistan. The announcement came amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, following recent cross-border military operations. Mir Yar Baloch, a known writer and advocate for Baloch rights, issued the declaration through a series of posts on platform X. He urged the Indian government to allow a Baloch embassy in New Delhi and called on the United Nations to send peacekeeping forces to Balochistan while asking the Pakistani army to withdraw from the region. The announcement followed India's Operation Sindoor on May 7, which targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK).Mir Yar Baloch claimed that Baloch freedom fighters had attacked Pakistan's gas fields in Dera Bugti, an area with more than 100 gas one of his posts, he said, "A possible announcement soon should be done as the collapse of the terrorist Pakistan is near. We have claimed our independence and we request India to allow Balochistan's official office, and embassy in Delhi."He also made an appeal to the international community. "We also ask the United Nations to recognise the independence of the Democratic Republic of Balochistan and call a meeting of all UN members to lend your support for recognition.""There must be a release of billions of funds for currency, and passport printing," he asked for immediate international action. "We urge the UN to immediately send its peace keeping missions in Balochistan and ask Pakistan's occupational army to vacate the territories, air space and sea of Balochistan and leave all the weapons, and property in Balochistan."He added, "All non-Baloch personnel in the army, frontier corps, police, military intelligence, ISI, and civil administration must leave Balochistan immediately."He mentioned plans to form a government in the region. "The control of Balochistan will soon be handed over to the new government of independent Balochistan state and a transitional conclusive interim government will soon be announced. Representation of Baloch women in the cabinet is the fulfilment of commitment to our nation.""The state ceremony of the independence government of Balochistan will take place soon. We invite the head of the states of our friendly countries to witness the national parade and bless us," he another post, he wrote, "Hey Na-Pakistan. If you have an army, we Baloch have our army too. Baloch freedom fighters attack."BLA claims attack on Pakistani militaryA video has also surfaced online showing a utility vehicle carrying Pakistani military personnel being destroyed. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the blast and said 14 Pakistani soldiers were Marri, the London-based president of the Free Balochistan Movement, recently said that India should hand over Jinnah's House in Mumbai to the Baloch people and rename it 'Balochistan House'. He said this site, where Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah once planned India's partition, should now be a place for Baloch leaders to plan their own independence. Marri also said that once Balochistan gains independence, Pakistan will no longer exist. In an article published by Balochwarna, he accused the United Nations of lacking neutrality, claiming it has ignored the Balochistan issue since 1947 while Pakistan continues to exploit it for political purposes.
Memri
12-02-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Baloch Leader Hyrbyair Marri Advocates For Baloch-Pashtun Unity: 'Baloch And Pashtun Have No Future In A Punjabi Colonial State – Pakistan'
On January 27, 2025, Hyrbyair Marri, prominent Baloch leader and president of the Free Balochistan Movement, spoke at the Pashtun National Council (Jirga) in London. In his speech, Marri advocated for Baloch-Pashtun unity to resist the oppressive rule of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. "The event, organised by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), brought together leaders, activists, and intellectuals from the Baloch, Pashtun, and Sindhi nations, drawing attention to the shared struggles of these nations under the brutal occupation of Pakistan," reported the Baloch media outlet Balochwarna. Marri also called on the Baloch and Pashtun nations to reject the divisions created by the British-imposed Durand Line, which he described as a tool of imperialism meant to sow conflict between neighbouring nations. Marri supports the independence of Balochistan from Pakistan and Iran. He promotes a free and democratic Balochistan, in which men and women will be treated equally and will be entitled to all rights, protections, and freedoms in all spheres of society. (Source: Following is the text of Marri's speech: "United, No Power Can Stop The Baloch And Pashtun Nations" "Thank you for having me here. "I understand the sufferings of Baloch and Pashtun under the occupation of Pakistan are countless and unending, but I want to speak of our unity, shared struggles and a common bond between the Baloch and Pashtun nations as together, we have resisted imperial domination in the past, and together we shall defeat the colonial oppressors. (Source: Heaven Mail, daily newspaper from Kashmir, January 28, 2025) "The Baloch and Afghan nations stood for each other during difficult times and thwarted the evil intentions of their enemies. The Baloch nation's refusal to allow the British to attack Afghanistan through Bolan Pass resulted in multiple retaliation attacks on Balochistan in 1839: such as on Kalat fort, where Mir Mehrab Khan, along with his companions, embraced martyrdom, and at Sarthaaf where the British were intercepted before they could attack the capital of Marri tribe, Kahan. Here, the Baloch were victorious. They wiped out a whole regiment of the colonisers and left only a few survivors. "Let us revisit a moment in history that symbolizes the power of our unity. The treaty of Kalat, also known as the treaty of non-interference, was signed in 1758 between the Baloch and Afghan peoples. Under this treaty, both nations agreed NOT to interfere in each other's internal matters, strengthening the ties of brotherhood and solidarity. "Baloch leader Naseer Khan Noon stood shoulder to shoulder with Afghan ruler Ahmed Shah Abdali in several decisive battles against Iran and other imperial powers in the region. This treaty was not just a political alliance-, it was a testament to our shared values. Such as: "Loyalty – (to trust that we would not betray each other, in any circumstances). Respect – (to acknowledge each other as nations) Resistance – (to help one another against any oppressor) And freedom – (when all the above are fulfilled, real freedom will come). "In a true sense of following that treaty and after centuries of understanding, we now have all of those, except the last. We have to work together to achieve real freedom. It is time we renew this spirit of unity. United, no power can stop the Baloch and Pashtun nations from reclaiming their freedom. (Source: CIA) (Source: Brighter Kashmir, daily newspaper from Kashmir) "Pakistan's Oppressive Policies Are An Extension Of Colonial Domination" "Our histories are deeply intertwined. We share similar cultural systems, unique cultural identities and a fierce commitment to freedom. The British colonization of the 19th century subjected both our peoples to brutal oppression. Afghanistan became a buffer zone in the Great Game between the British and Russian Empire, while Balochistan endured repeated invasions from the British, because of its strategic importance. Both nations fought with valour, delivering heavy blows to imperial forces long before Britain achieved its geopolitical ambitions. "When the British finally left the region after World War II. they left behind a destructive legacy that continues to divide us. The Durand Line was drawn by the British to serve their imperial interests in the region, deliberately creating a flashpoint for conflict between Balochistan and Afghanistan. "After the independence of Balochistan from Iran and Pakistan, the Baloch nation firmly will commit itself to resolving these artificial divisions with its neighbouring and brotherly Pashtun nation. "Pakistan's oppressive policies are an extension of colonial domination. It wages war on Baloch and Pashtun nations alike, using enforced disappearances, torture and massacres to crush our quest for justice and freedom. The massacres of 1930 in Qissa Khwani Bazar AND Speen Thangai by the British, and in 1948 Barbra massacre by Pakistan, in Charsadda are tragic examples of state brutality that echo the British era's violence. (Source: Meri Dilli Meri Shaan, weekly newspaper from Delhi, India) "The Baloch and Pashtun have been used by other nations to protect their sovereignty and their borders. In the case of Pashtun: they are protecting the state of Pakistan and its borders. "The Punjabis consider the Pashtuns as mere guards and caretakers of the pirated land that is Pakistan. Meanwhile, they see themselves as the real owners and decision makers. "In 1948, the Pashtun tribes were the people who were sent to Kashmir to take over, while the Punjabis stood back and made the Pashtuns fight their war. "In the case of the Baloch, we have been helping half a dozen Arab nations in protecting their state and borders since their inception. Serving in their armed forces and police forces, and all those agencies that protect them. "In the war between Oman and Yemen in the 1960s, according to a Yemeni general, it wasn't Omani who won the war, it was the Baloch who won it for them. Although the Baloch have done so much for them, some of these Gulf states are repaying them by sending Baloch political activists to Pakistan, where they are never heard from again. Despite the Baloch repeatedly asking every nation not to invest in Balochistan while it is under Occupation, they are investing billions of dollars in Balochistan to appease the Punjabis. While being well aware that this will only intensify the Baloch genocide. "In the 1980s, in the Iran-Iraq war, thousands upon thousands of Baloch youth were forced to fight the Iraqis. The Iranians placed keys around all the soldiers' necks and told them that were they to die, those were the keys to open the gates of heaven. It's the height of absurdity. You don't need keys to open the gates of heaven, you need good deeds. "Let Us Renew Our Alliance" "The Afghan government are not taking Punjabi dictation, and this angers the Punjabi elites. So, to pressurise the Afghan Government, they have come up with a plan to deport millions of Afghan citizens, most of whom are Pashtuns. "We, the Baloch have been racially profiled since our lands were occupied and now, they are doing the same to Pashtun's. All the way from Karachi to Islamabad they are stopping them and checking their papers before bundling them up and sending them to the border. They see it as a pressure tactic. I see it as ruining millions of livelihoods. These people have been living there for generations This kind of treatment from the Punjabis is an affront to the Baloch and Pashtun. "History teaches that unity is the path to freedom. Just as Naseer Khan Noon and Ahmed Shah Abdali stood together against powerful enemies, we must stand united today The bond between the Baloch and Pashtun is not a threat. It is a promise of stabilisation of the region The occupying state fears our solidarity because it knows we are stronger together. "Let us reclaim the spirit of the treaty of Kalat. Let us renew our alliance and reject the divisions imposed by imperialism. We are not just Neighbours. We are brothers in struggle and destiny. "Baloch and Pashtun have no future in a Punjabi colonial state – Pakistan – which has leeched our lands and is sucking it dry. "Together, we will break the chains of occupation and build a future rooted in justice, sovereignty, and peace. "Our unity is a force of history, and our freedom is inevitable. "Long Live Baloch Pashtun Harmony." *Hyrbyair Marri, the head of the political platform called the Free Balochistan Movement. Follow Mr. Marri's activities on his X account, @hyrbyair_marri.
Memri
10-02-2025
- Politics
- Memri
The Free Balochistan Movement: China Plays A Central Role In Supporting Iran And Pakistan's Ambitions In The Region
The Free Balochistan Movement, a secular movement headed by Hyrbyair Marri, one of the most popular leaders among Baloch people, published an English-language article stating that China plays a central role in supporting the Islamic Republics of Iran and Pakistan. The movement also added: "The Baloch resistance remains a significant obstacle to China's plans for economic and military dominance in the region." Source: CIA) Following is the article:[1] "China... Has Strengthened Its Economic And Political Ties With Pakistan And Iran" "The Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) has issued a condemnation against the ongoing military aggression and occupation of Balochistan by Pakistan and Iran, saying that these two countries have been waging a decades-long campaign of violence against the Baloch people. "In a statement released November 28, [2024,] the FBM emphasized that the current military offensives in the region are part of a long-standing pattern of exploitation and suppression, which has been further exacerbated by the involvement of China in recent years. "According to the FBM spokesperson, the recent announcement by Pakistan's Apex Committee – which approved comprehensive military aggressions in Balochistan – is an attempt to mislead the international community, particularly China, into believing that no such operation is currently taking place. The spokesperson stressed that this claim is a blatant lie, as military operations in Balochistan have been ongoing for over two decades, and Baloch civilians have long been victims of both Pakistani and Iranian aggression. "'The Baloch nation has been subjected to continuous military attacks, genocide, and human rights violations from the very first day of Iranian and Pakistani occupation. No rhetoric or false announcements can change the reality on the ground,' the spokesperson said. 'The Baloch people have never been free from military aggression, and the occupation forces continue their brutal attempts to silence our struggle for freedom.' "The FBM further pointed out that in recent years, external powers like China have increasingly become involved in the region, driven by economic and geopolitical ambitions. According to the FBM, these external actors have allied with the Pakistani and Iranian governments to exploit Balochistan's vast natural resources, while suppressing the Baloch people's demand for independence. China, in particular, has strengthened its economic and political ties with Pakistan and Iran, as part of its broader ambitions to secure its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects, particularly the use of the strategic Gwadar port in Balochistan. "In the statement, the FBM said China was supporting the occupation of Balochistan by Pakistan and Iran, noting that the Chinese government's attempts to increase its military presence in the region is a clear sign of its complicity in the oppression of the Baloch nation. The spokesperson referenced China's recent pledge to send People's Liberation Army (PLA) personnel to Balochistan to protect its nationals, which the FBM argues is an indication that China is actively involved in the occupation forces' efforts to suppress Baloch resistance. China "Is Also Militarily Supporting Pakistan And Iran" "'China's involvement is not limited to economic interests. It is also militarily supporting Pakistan and Iran to ensure that Baloch resistance is crushed, and the exploitation of Baloch resources continues unabated,' the spokesperson said. 'China's support for the Iranian and Pakistani occupation forces further highlights how external powers are standing in the way of the Baloch people's aspirations for independence.' "The FBM also emphasized the historical context of Iran and Pakistan's cooperation against the Baloch people. The spokesperson reminded the international community that the collaboration between Iran and Pakistan dates back to the 1970s, during the reign of Shah Iran, when Iranian forces, under pressure from Pakistan's Bhutto government, carried out bombings in Balochistan and provided military and financial aid to Pakistan in its attempts to quell Baloch resistance. "The spokesperson made it clear that any efforts to portray Iran and Pakistan as potential 'friends' or 'liberators' of the Baloch people are a dangerous mistake and an attempt to whitewash the brutal history of oppression. "'In the 1970s, under the Shah's regime, Iran and Pakistan openly collaborated to suppress Baloch resistance. This cooperation has continued through the years, and today, both nations continue to violate Baloch rights with the assistance of external powers like China,' the spokesperson noted. "The statement also addressed the recent aggressions carried out by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Iranian-occupied Balochistan. "On November 26, the IRGC confirmed that it had conducted military offensives in Balochistan, killed at least 26 Baloch and arrested over 50 others. These aggressions are just one of many examples of the ongoing repression faced by the Baloch people under Iranian occupation. The spokesperson also pointed to the executions of innocent Baloch activists, who have been sentenced to death based on fabricated charges related to their political beliefs. "These actions by both Iran and Pakistan are clear signs of the escalating violence against the Baloch people. In the past few months alone, countless Baloch civilians have been killed or arrested for simply expressing their political beliefs,' the spokesperson said. 'This pattern of violence is not new, but it is intensifying as both countries seek to eliminate Baloch resistance and consolidate their control over Balochistan.' "The FBM also expressed alarm over the resumption of joint military exercises between China and Pakistan, which were restarted after a five-year hiatus. The FBM interprets this as further evidence of China's support for Pakistan's military operations in Balochistan. 'China is now standing shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan and Iran in the exploitation of Balochistan's resources and the genocidal campaign against the Baloch people,' the spokesperson stated. "According to the FBM, China's strategic interest in Gwadar port, a key part of its Belt and Road Initiative, is a driving force behind its involvement in Balochistan. The spokesperson argued that China's pursuit of unimpeded access to global markets through the port requires the suppression of Baloch resistance, as the Baloch people continue to oppose foreign control over their land and resources. "The Baloch Resistance Remains A Significant Obstacle To China's Plans For Economic And Military Dominance In The Region" "'The Baloch resistance remains a significant obstacle to China's plans for economic and military dominance in the region,' the spokesperson said. 'Until the Baloch people are free, the occupation forces will continue to face resistance.' "In conclusion, the FBM reaffirmed its commitment to the struggle for Baloch independence, stating that despite the overwhelming odds and the growing support for the occupation forces, the Baloch people will not back down from their aspirations for freedom. "'The Baloch people have always resisted oppression, and we will continue to fight for our independence, no matter the cost,' the spokesperson declared. 'Our struggle will not end until we achieve the freedom we deserve.' "The FBM's statement calls on the international community to recognize the ongoing genocide and military occupation in Balochistan and to support the Baloch people's right to national liberation."
