Balochistan Archives - Defence Monitor

11 Aug

Balochistan observes 78th Independence Day despite restrictions from Pak forces

Quetta, Aug 11 (IANS) Balochistan on Monday observed the 78th Independence Day, continuing an annual tradition that defies what Baloch human rights groups call Pakistan's "illegal occupation" of the region. The Baloch struggle for independence has significant historical origins, starting in 1947 when the princely state of Kalat made a short-lived declaration of independence following the partition of British India. Nevertheless, in 1948, Pakistan forcibly annexed the region, a move that has continually been opposed by Baloch nationalists. In an attempt to suppress the Independence Day celebrations, the Pakistani forces have imposed Section 144 for fifteen days in Balochistan, which…

01 Feb

Pakistan: 18 soldiers among 30 killed in restive Balochistan

Islamabad, Feb 1 (IANS) At least 18 soldiers of Pakistan's Frontier Corps (FC) have died during an operation in Mangocher, a city located in the Kalat district of Balochistan province, the country's military authorities confirmed on Saturday. "On the night of January 31/February 1, terrorists attempted to establish roadblocks in Manocher, Kalat District of Balochistan. Security forces and law enforcement agencies were immediately mobilised, who successfully thwarted the evil design and killed 12 of them, ensuring security and protection of local populace," read a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani military. However, the…

23 Feb

Balochistan: In the Crosshairs of History

The year began on a subdued note with the assassination of journalist and activist Karima Baloch, one of Balochistan's few, fiery and brilliant women freedom fighters. Her dead body was found in a lake in Toronto, Canada. The death is strongly alleged to be that of the Pakistani deep state. It, however, did not ignite international passions as the farmers' protests in democratic India did, for example. Yet, this was not a one-off assassination. It was part of a broader pattern of continuous death, destruction and dispossession of an entire community by the very state that is meant to protect…