The Foreign Department of the Baloch National Movement (BNM) continues its international outreach campaign aimed at drawing global attention to the ongoing state repression in Balochistan — particularly the crackdown on peaceful political activists — and garnering support for the Baloch national struggle for freedom.
As part of this campaign, the BNM contacted United Nations representatives, urging action over the arrest of Dr. Mahrang Baloch and other activists. On March 23, 2025, a communication was sent to the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, briefing them on the situation in Balochistan and requesting intervention regarding Dr. Baloch’s detention. In response, the UN Working Group issued a written statement confirming that on March 26, a joint statement had been released condemning the unlawful detention of human rights defenders in Balochistan.
Following this, the BNM reached out to several Members of Parliament from the UK, European Union, and the United States, urging them to raise their voices against state repression in Balochistan and the unlawful detention of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders.
British MP Andrew Pakes raised a question to the UK Minister for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, Lord (Hamish) Falconer, asking what actions the British government is taking regarding human rights violations in Balochistan and the detention of BYC leaders. In response, Minister Falconer expressed deep concern about the situation in Balochistan. He stated:
“Britain strongly condemns extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. We urge states to fully investigate such complaints, bring perpetrators to justice, and ensure justice for victims and their families.”
He further added that the UK continues to encourage Pakistan to criminalize enforced disappearances.
Minister Falconer also expressed sympathy with the Baloch protesters, emphasizing that the UK’s position on the matter is clear: freedom of expression, without censorship or intimidation, is a fundamental pillar of democracy. He noted that the British High Commissioner in Pakistan is in regular contact with Pakistan’s Minister for Human Rights and Law, raising concerns about human rights violations in Balochistan during these meetings.
In the same context, Labour MP Mary Creagh also expressed solidarity with the Baloch people and concern over the situation in Balochistan. She stated:
“I am deeply concerned about the ongoing situation in Balochistan and assure you that the British government is also aware of it.”
She recalled that on November 28, 2024, Minister Falconer had condemned enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan, calling on states to investigate the allegations and ensure justice. She also noted that on December 10, 2024, Minister Falconer reiterated that the British High Commission engages with the Government of Pakistan on human rights violations, including meetings held on September 4 and November 19.
Meanwhile, BNM’s outreach efforts have also borne fruit in Ireland. Irish Member of Parliament Richard Boyd Barrett questioned Ireland’s Foreign Ministry regarding the situation in Balochistan, specifically asking for their stance on the arrest of Dr. Mahrang Baloch.
In response, Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Simon Harris, said:
“I am aware of the recent arrests in Balochistan and the unrest in the region, which has been plagued by violent conflict for many years.”
He added that Ireland is closely monitoring the situation through its embassy in Islamabad and is working with the EU mission and like-minded partners to formulate an effective response.
Simon Harris affirmed Ireland’s commitment to promoting and protecting universal human rights such as freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and political participation. He stated that Ireland would continue to raise these issues with Pakistan bilaterally and in multilateral forums.
He also mentioned that during the 14th EU-Pakistan Joint Commission meeting in November 2024, the European Union had expressed serious concerns regarding human rights, democracy, and governance. Harris emphasized that human rights remain a key factor in the context of the GSP+ trade preferences granted to Pakistan.
He assured that Ireland, through its embassy in Islamabad, in coordination with the EU mission and other partners, will continue to monitor the situation closely.