Peshawar: Fourteen-year-old activist Farah Baloch has appealed to India and the international community to raise their voices in support of the people of Balochistan, highlighting alleged human rights violations and political grievances in Pakistan’s restive province.
In a video message recorded with her mother, Farah urged Indian citizens to become a voice for the people of Balochistan.
“Today, I, Farah Baloch, along with my mother, as a daughter of Balochistan, appeal to every citizen to become our voice and support the people of Balochistan,” she said.
Addressing India directly, she added: “Hindustan, your voice and your support for the voiceless people of Balochistan mean a lot.”
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area, is rich in natural resources, including gas, gold and copper. The region has, however, faced longstanding grievances over economic development, resource distribution and political representation.
Baloch activists and organisations have accused Pakistani security forces of enforced disappearances, human rights violations and suppressing political dissent. The Pakistani Government and security establishment have rejected such allegations in various cases.
Meanwhile, armed separatist groups, including the Balochistan Liberation Army, have continued their activities in the province and have demanded greater autonomy or independence from Pakistan. Such groups have also carried out attacks against security forces and key infrastructure.
Large-scale projects, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Gwadar Port, have also been a source of controversy among sections of the local population. Baloch activists allege that local communities have not received sufficient economic benefits from these projects and that external control over land and natural resources has increased.
Pakistan and China, however, have described these projects as important for economic development, employment, connectivity and infrastructure in the region.
Why has Farah appealed to India?
Farah’s appeal comes amid continuing international attention to the human rights situation in Balochistan. Activists have been raising concerns through international forums and social media over alleged rights violations and political repression.
In her video message, Farah also called on ordinary Indian citizens to highlight the difficulties faced by the people of Balochistan before the wider international community.
Her appeal focuses on alleged human rights violations, political repression and the concerns of local communities. She said public support and international attention could help bring these issues to a wider audience.
India’s position on Balochistan
India has previously raised concerns over human rights issues in Balochistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to Balochistan in his Independence Day address in 2016.
India’s position on the issue has also been viewed within the wider context of its diplomatic relations with Pakistan.
Farah’s latest video appeal seeks to draw greater attention among Indian citizens and the international community to the concerns being raised over the situation in Balochistan.
