Tensions continue to simmer in Balochistan as the Baloch National Movement (BNM) launches a scathing attack on the Pakistani army. Accusing the military of spreading baseless propaganda against its leadership, BNM has exposed what it calls a desperate bid to discredit peaceful activists.
The group, which champions Baloch rights through non-violent means, claims the army’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) wing is orchestrating a vicious media campaign. At the center is BNM leader Naseem Baloch, whom army spokesperson Major General Ahmed Sharif has falsely accused of armed militancy. BNM insists Naseem’s work is purely political and peaceful.
This isn’t just rhetoric. Human rights violations in Balochistan have drawn international scrutiny, prompting BNM to activate the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) mechanism. This EU trade privilege, granted to Pakistan, comes with strict human rights conditions that the military’s actions allegedly breach.
BNM’s statement pulls no punches: ‘The propaganda aims to poison social media narratives against the Baloch movement and endanger activists at home and abroad.’ It points to a pattern where the army labels victims as perpetrators, a tactic to silence dissent.
As BNM ramps up its Europe-wide campaign, Pakistani authorities have reportedly intensified their counter-narrative. The group warns that such moves won’t deter Baloch resolve. ‘We reject this malice outright and will confront Pakistan at every forum,’ BNM declared.
Balochistan’s plight underscores broader issues of autonomy and rights in Pakistan’s restive province. With global eyes on GSP+ compliance, the army’s PR blitz could backfire, spotlighting enforced disappearances and media manipulations long alleged by activists.
The standoff signals escalating friction. BNM vows no retreat, positioning itself as a bulwark against oppression while urging international intervention to hold Pakistan accountable.