A protest demonstration marking “Youm-e-Asrokh” or “The Day of Fire and Fury” was held in Berlin by the Germany branch of the Free Balochistan Movement against Pakistan’s 1998 nuclear tests in the Chagai region of Balochistan.
The protest drew Baloch political activists, human rights campaigners and representatives of the Ahwaz Democratic Popular Front and South Azerbaijani groups, who voiced solidarity with the people of Balochistan.
Demonstrators carried banners condemning the environmental and humanitarian impact of the May 28, 1998 nuclear explosions, describing the day as a “Black Day” for Balochistan rather than a national achievement. Protesters alleged that the tests were conducted in Chagai without the consent of the local population and had led to long-term ecological damage, public health concerns and economic hardship in the region.
Speakers at the gathering urged international human rights bodies and environmental organisations to investigate the alleged humanitarian and ecological consequences of the nuclear tests, along with broader accusations of political repression in Balochistan.
Representatives from Ahwazi and South Azerbaijani movements also addressed the protest, calling for greater international awareness and solidarity among what they described as oppressed nations facing authoritarianism and state violence.
The event concluded with demonstrators reaffirming their commitment to continuing political and diplomatic campaigns on issues related to Balochistan, including allegations of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and economic exploitation.
Among those who addressed the gathering were Naveed Baloch, Abu Bakar Baloch, Ashfaq Baloch and Mir Moulabakhsh Marri of the Free Balochistan Movement, alongside Masood Ahwazi, Jamal Ahwazi and Aydin Salami.
