Baloch National Movement (BNM) chairman Naseem Baloch has accused Pakistani authorities of carrying out prolonged repression in Balochistan, alleging enforced disappearances, imprisonment, political restrictions and killings of Baloch activists and civilians.Baloch made the allegations while addressing the 12th Balochistan International Conference in Geneva on September 26. The event brought together human rights defenders, political activists, media representatives and members of different organisations.Key HighlightsBNM chairman Naseem Baloch accused Pakistan of prolonged repression in Balochistan.He raised concerns over alleged enforced disappearances and imprisonment of political activists.Baloch referred to recent life imprisonment sentences involving Baloch activists.The BNM has been presenting information about enforced disappearances to international organisations.The issue has drawn attention from UN human rights bodies and other international observers.BNM continues to call for greater international attention to the situation in Balochistan.What Did the BNM Chief Say?Naseem Baloch alleged that successive generations of Baloch political activists, students, doctors, teachers, lawyers and ordinary citizens had faced imprisonment, enforced disappearance, exile and death.He said the BNM considers military operations, political intervention, alleged disappearances and control over Balochistan's natural resources part of a wider pattern of repression.These are allegations made by the BNM and represent the organisation's position. The situation in Balochistan remains politically contested, with Pakistani authorities framing security operations in the context of militancy and separatist violence.Enforced Disappearances Raised at UNThe Baloch National Movement has also taken the issue of enforced disappearances to international institutions.Earlier in September, a BNM delegation led by Naseem Baloch met a member of the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances in Geneva. According to the organisation, it submitted a six-month human rights report and a dossier documenting alleged disappearances in Balochistan.The issue of enforced disappearances in Pakistan has also been documented by international and human rights organisations. A September 2026 UK government country information report said enforced disappearances had been reported particularly among Baloch, Pashtun and Sindhi activists and nationalists, human rights defenders and people working on missing-person cases.BNM Raises Cases of Baloch ActivistsDuring his Geneva speech, Baloch referred to the life imprisonment sentences handed to Baloch Yakjehti Committee leaders Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shahji.He cited concerns raised by UN human rights experts regarding the proceedings and the use of counter-terrorism laws against political activism. He also referred to the recent life sentence handed to another BYC leader, Gulzadi Baloch.The BNM has described these cases as examples of political repression, while the legal proceedings and allegations remain matters of dispute.Balochistan's Natural Resources Also a FocusNaseem Baloch also linked the political dispute to Balochistan's natural resources.The province has significant deposits of copper, gold and other minerals and has attracted investment interest, including through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).Baloch argued that discussions about mining, international investment and resource development cannot be separated from questions about the political future of Balochistan.The BNM supports independence for Balochistan, a position explicitly reiterated by its chairman during the Geneva conference.What Is the Situation in Balochistan?Balochistan has experienced a long-running conflict involving separatist groups, Pakistani security forces and other political actors.The province is strategically important because of its location, natural resources and major infrastructure projects. It is also home to Gwadar, a key component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.The security situation has included militant attacks as well as allegations of human rights violations. A recent UK government report cited findings from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan concerning enforced disappearances and alleged abuses in Balochistan.What Happens Next?The BNM is continuing to raise the issue of Balochistan at international forums, including meetings with UN-linked human rights institutions.The organisation has called for international attention to alleged enforced disappearances, political arrests and other human rights concerns. Pakistani authorities and security institutions have their own security-related explanations for actions taken in the province, while the extent and circumstances of individual allegations remain subject to investigation and competing accounts.The Geneva conference is part of the BNM's wider international campaign to highlight its political and human rights claims concerning Balochistan.
