Sangar exclusive interview with Dr. Allah Nazar Baloch, pro-independence Baloch leader and head of Balochistan Liberation Front, on the current situation of Balochistan and the world.
Sangar :
How do you see the current global situation in the context of Balochistan and South Asia?
Dr. Allah Nazar Baloch
Apart from South Asia, major world powers are also keeping a close eye on Southwest Asia and the Far East. Events occurring in this region have a direct or indirect impact on Balochistan and its ongoing freedom movement. Let me tell you that Taiwan, the South China Sea, and the China-India conflict are all factors that affect Balochistan. This is no longer just a battle for market supremacy. The Indian Foreign Minister made a statement some time ago suggesting that CPEC poses a significant risk in our region. Balochistan is the focal point of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The Indo-Pacific Alliance and China’s aggressive and expansionist foreign policy have significant consequences for Balochistan, as a new alliance emerges. The war of independence is going on in Balochistan. The global and regional powers, such as India, the European Union, and United States of America (USA), must determine how they view the issue of Balochistan in light of the newly formed alliances. But all of these forces recognize the significance of Balochistan’s geographical and political position. Sustainable peace in the region can only be ensured through the establishment of an independent Balochistan. I urge regional and international powers to include Balochistan in their foreign policy. Ignoring the Baloch problem by global and regional powers could lead to a catastrophic event with far-reaching consequences. Maintaining an irresponsible and undemocratic nuclear-armed Pakistan poses a threat to global security due to its support of terrorism, Islamic extremism, and role as a breeding ground for terrorists. This could lead to major incidents such as 9/11 or the Mumbai attacks, with severe consequences for the civilized world.
Sangar :
What have you people achieved from more than two decades of war?Baloch has also suffered from this war?
Dr. Allah Nazar Baloch:
In the war of independence, losses are inevitable as it depends on the relative strength of the counter-revolutionary forces and those fighting for freedom. Baloch is struggling to defend its national existence and gain independence through its strength. If you look in the context of Baloch and enemy losses, then the enemy has suffered more.A generation has come of age of maturity amidst Balochistan’s struggle for national identity, cultural preservation, and independence. Compared to two decades ago, a clear change is visible in the entire Baloch society today. Despite facing brutal counter-insurgency and uncivilized behavior from the enemy, today’s Baloch remain committed to their pursuit for national independence.This war is going on fiercely on various fronts. Whether on the battlefield or in politics, the Baloch people have conveyed a definitive message to the world: they are a living nation fighting for their independence.
Question No. 3: How has the American withdrawal from Afghanistan affected the region and the Baloch movement?
Answer No. 3: Even before American troops arrived in Afghanistan, the Baloch were already engaged in battle, and intensity of their fight for independence has not decreased even after the troops’ withdrawal. I disagree with the view of certain intellectuals who claim that the Baloch independence struggle commenced during the American presence in Afghanistan. Changes in the Baloch neighbors inevitably affect the Baloch [cause]. However, I have repeatedly expressed that Afghanistan, Iran, and India are our neighbors and we hope for their support in our pursuit for freedom.
Sangar:
China’s interference in Balochistan has increased a lot. How much trouble has it created for you people?
Dr. Allah Nazar Baloch:
China has become an imperialist country which has been brutally looting the mineral wealth of Balochistan like Saindak through Punjabi pimps for decades.Now, with the help of occupying Pakistan in the form of CPEC, they have their eyes on the maritime resources as well as the geography of Balochistan. We believe that China’s CPEC-named Gwadar Deep Sea Port is a military base rather than an economic hub. The presence of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is a clear indication that it is not only a plan to exterminate the Baloch but also a major threat to India’s security. Apart from this, China’s presence at the edge of the Strait of Hormuz is a threat to the whole world by keeping the warm water in its possession. A clear negative form of China’s exploitative projects is seen in Africa. To put an end to this evil, it is imperative that the global community should support the Baloch people in their fight for liberation. It is important to convey to China, or any other international investor, that investment in Balochistan, without the consent of the Baloch people will result in a costly decision.
Sangar:
Pakistan itself is considered a powerful country, now a superpower chain has also joined, how will you make the Baloch war decisive in your favor in the face of such a large force?
Dr. Allah Nazar Baloch :
Pakistan is an artificial and neo-colonial country that was established by global powers following the Second World War to serve their interests. Her army is still available for hire at any time. I don’t want to go into detail, but just want to tell China that she herself has fought a long battle for her freedom. She is aware that even the most powerful nations have been unable to overcome the struggles of indigenous movements that fight against oppression. Through our consistent efforts and sacrifices, we have the power to turn the tide of this war in our favor.
Sangar:
What is the importance of external aid and support in freedom movements? There is no support from any country for Baloch national independence. What could be the reason for this?
Dr. Allah Nazar Baloch:
Baloch liberation war is an indigenous freedom movement which is evolving within its own society. Indeed, world aid is an essential component. They can support the freedom struggle on the basis of political, moral and human rights. We have made continual appeals to the global community, and I am optimistic that the Baloch issue is on the table of the foreign offices of all democratic countries and global powers. Indigenous movements hold significant power, as their battles occur within their respective national and social arenas.Apart from this, Baloch’s ongoing war has direct or indirect benefits for several regional and global powers. The geography of Balochistan is incredibly significant, and only those lacking knowledge would ignore its importance. An independent, sovereign and secular Balochistan is need of the world. Through you, we appeal the international community, human rights advocates, and democrats to stand with the oppressed Baloch people in their struggle against Pakistan’s occupying terrorist state.
Sangar:
Pakistan has got a very deadly weapon in the form of drones, due to which the loss of Baloch people is increasing. How will you people deal with it? Has international diplomacy been done in this regard?
Dr. Allah Nazar Baloch:
In addition to providing Pakistan with drones, China has supplied a significant quantity of deadly weapons to suppress the Baloch movement for independence. It’s important to remember that, national freedom and movements cannot be destroyed by the use of deadly weaponry. Baloch are fighting through their national capacity and are taking measures to protect themselves from such deadly weapons. The issue of China’s presence in Balochistan extends beyond being solely a concern for the Baloch people and occupying Pakistan. Therefore, we appeal the global community to intervene and put an end to the Baloch Genocide. We call upon the United Nations and international powers to recognize Balochistan as a war zone and send peacekeeping forces there. We also have high expectations from them, as the situation in Balochistan is much graver than that of the humanitarian crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Sangar:
In the ongoing struggle for freedom, there have been reports of forced disappearances of around 60,000 people and killings of more than 20,000 political and movement-related people at the hands of Pakistani forces. What would you like to say about this?
Dr. Allah Nazar Baloch:
I want to correct your statement that the number of forced disappearance victims is not just sixty thousand, but rather it extends into the millions in Balochistan. Due to its vast geography and scattered population, certain events in Balochistan are not immediately known. Instead, we often only become aware of them after a considerable amount of time has passed. On the other hand, millions of Baloch have been forced to leave their native villages and are now either refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs). Balochistan is a prohibited place for media. There are no authoritative and unbiased sources.We urge the United Nations to send a fact-finding team to Balochistan, investigate Pakistan’s war crimes, and bring the perpetrators to justice under international law. Moreover, we call on the UN to designate Balochistan as a conflict and no-fly zone.
Sangar:
Baloch independence movement is ideologically and practically organized and strong. Do you think that you will convince the world by force or do you think that diplomacy is also necessary?
Dr. Allah Nazar Baloch:
Both sources have their importance and our war is multi-faceted. We will use all the means that help us to regain our lost freedom.
Sangar:
What do you expect from the United Nations, world powers and neighboring countries? How do you see their role and what do you think their role should be?
Dr. Allah Nazar Baloch:
We hope from the United Nations and international powers and regional powers that they will support our freedom movement, even though sometimes we see the role of international institutions as ambiguous. We remain optimistic that they will contribute fairly in a conflict-ridden region of vital geographical, political, and economic significance, such as Balochistan. We urge them to include the Baloch issue in their foreign policy and agenda by recognizing it as a global problem. We will convince the world only by our sacrifices. And we believe that the world will understand our oppressed status. It is widely understood by the global community that Pakistan is a breeding ground for terrorism and has a history of oppression and cruelty. In this regard, various international institutions, including the State Department, have consistently voiced their concerns. These are the fruits of the Baloch independence movement that are slowly being felt.
