New group formed
to unite Baluch diaspora
By Ahmar Mustikhan
LONDON: In an unprecedent move, members of the
Baluch Diaspora from Iran, Pakistan, North America,
Europe and theGulf nations of UAE, Qatar, Kuwait,
Bahrain and Oman -- at least 12 nations -- agreed
to form a single organization, called Baloch
Human Rights Council, in London with veteran
political activist Akbar Barakzai as its interim
executive president and Abdus Samad Baloch as
its general secretary.
According to a Press release, the new body will attempt to address the aggregated
gross human rights violations in Baluchistan by both Iran and Pakistan. Baluch
activists complain of an unseen Berlin Wall that was erected in Baluchistan when
Iran occupied a huge part of Baluchistan the size of Nevada in 1928 , but the
British who then controlled their homeland looked the other way. The area in
Pakistan is slightly bigger than New Mexico, while the territory inside Afghanistan
is the size of West Virginia. The artificial divison has left Baluch all over
the world run in different directions, politically.
Through a resolution the Baluch from different parts of the world said they have
decided to form Baloch Human Rights Council with an objective of securing human
rights, land rights of indigenous Baluch populace, release of political detainees,
stopping forceful disappearance of Baluch political and human rights activists,
promoting Baluchi language as medium of instruction, stopping summary executions
of Baluch youth, ensuring Baluch control over natural resources of Baluchistan,
recognition of Baluch culture and heritage, ensuring freedom of thought and religion
and stopping testing of nuclear weapons in Baluchistan and stopping growth of
religious extremism and terrorism
A woman activist , Bibi Mahnaz Baloch, has been brought to the forefront of the
new body as its cultural secretary.
The London-based international effort replicates the Baluch experience in Canada
where the Baluch Diaspora, in spite of the diverse political backgrounds, undertake
joint action on issue to issue basis on human rights violations in both Pakistan
and Iran.
The other leaders of the new group are Dr. Habib Malik, president; Hassan Hamdam,
vice president; Mir Ghulam Hussain, information secretary, and Shahaab Baloch,
finance secretary.
The new body was announced after two days of brain-storming sessions. In addition
to the interim committee a general council and a constitution committee were
also formed.
The leadership of the new group held discussions with Khan of Kalat, Beglar Begi
[Prince among the Princes] His Highness Suleman Daud Ahmedzai and former provincial
minister Nawabzada Hairbiyar Marri, son and heir-apparent of veteran Baloch nationalist
leader Nawab Khair Bakhsh Marri.
Both the Khan of Kalat and Nawabzada Hairbiyar Marri are in self-exile in the
U.K.
North America was represented at the moot by Dr. Zafar Baloch.
“This was a truly historic event. It succeeded well beyond my imagination,” Dr.
Zafar Baloch said. He said delegates from Turkmenistan and Africa will also partake
in the BHRC deliberations.
Meanwhile, Baluch notable from Mekran and board member of the American Friends
of Baluchistan, Mohammed Ali Baloch welcomed the formation of the new group and
hoped that it will give a fresh impetus to the Baloch struggle to get justice
at the various international fora, especially the International Court of Justice
at the Hague.
Dr. Zafar Baloch said the BHRC will crusade for victory at the ICJ.
Mohammed Ali Baloch, speaking to this correspondent from Philadelphia, said the
AFB looks upon all organizations, big or small, both inside and outside Pakistani
and Iranian Balochistan working for Baloch emancipation with equal respect. He
said the new organization is a valuable addition.
“Some of the faces in the new body and their past politics need no introduction,” said
Muhammad Ali Baloch, adding that what delights him the most is the point on ending
nuclear tests in Balochistan.
The new body has also formed a constitution committee that includes Dr. Abdul
Majeed, Dr. Azim Shirani, Dr. M. Husseinbor, Dr. Shambe Baloch and Dr. Zafar
Baloch.
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