A helicopter carrying six Pakistan Army officials crashed in the country's southwestern region of Harnai, Balochistan. All six officials aboard, including two majors were killed in the accident, according to Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

A helicopter carrying six Pakistan Army officials crashed in the country's southwestern region of Harnai, Balochistan. All six officials aboard, including two majors were killed in the accident, according to Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). “All six personnel on board, including two pilots, have embraced shahadat,” said ISPR, the media wing of the army. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to Twitter to share his condolences and said the nation stood with the families of the bereaved. "The heart is deeply saddened by the martyrdom of six army personnel including two pilots in the accident of Pakistan Army helicopter in Harnai Balochistan. We pray to allah almighty to give the martyrs a place in Jannat al-Firdous and give patience to their families.The entire nation shares the grief of the bereaved families," tweeted the Pakistan PM. ہرنائی بلوچستان میں پاک فوج کے ہیلی کاپٹر کے حادثے میں 2 پائلٹس سمیت 6 فوجی اہلکاروں کی شہادت پر دل شدید دکھی اور رنجیدہ ہے۔اللہ تعالی سے دعا ہے کہ وہ شہداء کو جنت الفردوس میں جگہ عطا فرمائے اور ان کے لواحقین کو صبر جمیل دے۔ پوری قوم غمزدہ خاندانوں کے دکھ میں شریک ہے۔ — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) September 26, 2022 × Read more: Pakistan PM to appoint next Army chief in November, says Defence Minister Asif The helicopter crashed during a 'flying mission' but so far no reason has been given as to what caused it. The mishap took place at the district of Hernai which lies about 150 kilometres north of the capital city Quetta of the Balochistan province. This is the second time that a Pakistan military aircraft has crashed in the last couple of months. In August, a helicopter carrying six Pakistan Army officials lost contact with the air traffic control in the Lasbela district of Balochistan. WATCH | Chopper with six Pakistan army personnel crashes in Balochistan: Report × A day later, the wreckage was discovered, with none of the passengers surviving the crash. At the time, the Pakistan Army attributed the crash to bad weather. The opposition leaders including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf's (PTI) Fawad Chaudhry have demanded an 'engineering evaluation' of the helicopters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pakistan Army helicopter crashes in Balochistan, killing all six on board

The westernmost province of Pakistan, Balochistan, shares its border with Iran, Afghanistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Arabian Sea.

The Balochs, who form approximately 50 per cent of the total population of Balochistan, entered the region in 14th century CE.

Balochistan, which is volatile and rife with historical tensions, has witnessed regular insurgencies since Pakistan annexed the autonomous Baloch state of Kalat in 1948.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-statue-of-mohammad-ali-jinnah-destroyed-in-blast-in-balochistan-416388">Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan: Statue of Mohammad Ali Jinnah destroyed in blast in Balochistan</a>

Balochs complain about the lack of autonomy and long-standing social and economic neglect in addition to a deteriorating human rights scenario in the country.

They have faced extreme deprivation and marginalisation from both Pakistan and Iran that has resulted in a strong desire for liberation among them.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-pakistan-took-balochistan-by-force-243032/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Balochistan is Pakistan's largest and poorest province despite being rich in natural resources.

Resentment has been fuelled by billions of dollars of Chinese money flowing into the region through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key part of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative, which locals say gave them little benefit as most new jobs went to outsiders.

The Balochistan conflict has a long, complex history, but since that time the stakes have risen as Balochistan’s wealth of copper, gold, gas and coal deposits caught China’s eye.

The prospects of Pakistan’s most reliable ally pouring in money excited successive governments while fuelling Baloch resentment over how little would come their way.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-things-have-got-worse-in-balochistan-akbar-bugtis-grandson-appeals-for-global-support-323071">Also read-EXCLUSIVE| 'Things have got worse in Balochistan': Akbar Bugti's grandson appeals for global support</a>

Separatist militants have frequently targeted Chinese construction in Gwadar, a port on the Balochistan coast, near the entrance to the strategically-important Gulf.

And in 2018, the Balochistan Liberation Army launched an assault on the Chinese consulate in the southern port city of Karachi, killing four Pakistani police and civilians.

In his first video interview in five years, Allah Nazar Baloch, head of the ethnic Baluch group Baluchistan Liberation Front (BLF), also vowed further attacks on a Chinese economic corridor, parts of which run through the resource-rich province.

The planned $46 billion trade route is expected to link western China with Pakistan’s Arabian Sea via a network of roads, railways and energy pipelines.

Balochistan, where separatist militants have waged an insurgency against the state that has grown in profile as ally China develops mining there, has long been plagued by enforced disappearances. Families say men are picked up by the Pakistani security forces, disappear often for years, and are sometimes found dead, with no official explanation.

The 2006 arrest of Akhtar Mengal, the Chief Minister of Balochistan, is a glaring example. He was arrested and denied basic rights of medical treatment or bedding while being imprisoned. Adding insult to injury, he was also kept in a cage during subsequent court proceedings.

A federal commission set up nine years ago listed 6,506 cases of enforced disappearances nationwide by the end of 2019. Most came from the northwestern province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Karima Mehrab, a refugee from the Balochistan region of western Pakistan who was also known as Karima Baloch, went missing in Toronto’s downtown waterfront area. Police found her dead body later.

Mehrab was a prominent student organizer who campaigned for Balochistan’s separation from Pakistan, and later fled to Canada amid threats. She was named one of the BBC’s 100 inspirational and influential women of 2016.

Previously, Sajid Hussain, a Balochistan journalist and activist living in exile in Sweden, was found drowned there, according to media reports.

In 2020, the Balochistan National Party (BNP) quit Prime Minister Imran Khan’s parliamentary bloc, frustrated by unfulfilled promises to address Baloch grievances including the festering issue of the disappeared.

Though residing in the same region, the ethnic identity of the Baloch has remained in sharp contrast to the ultranationalism that defines the Pakistani state. Therefore, the Pakistani security forces, who see many of the Baloch nationalist groups as terrorists, have crushed any opposition or demand for reform.

Using the military to quell any Baloch uprising into submission has become a norm, and any attempts at protest have been reduced to naught.

While gas was discovered in the province in the 1950s, it was largely used to supply Karachi and Punjab, with Quetta, the capital of Balochistan only receiving access to these local resources in the 1980s.

Since then, Islamabad has provided this natural gas only to supply the army cantonments in Balochistan, and as of 2014, 59 percent of the urban population of Balochistan did not have access to the resource.

As of January 2020, the Sui Southern Gas Company, which supplies gas to Sindh and Balochistan, reported the shortfall of gas at nearly 40 percent.

Such deprivation, combined with the repression and blatant disregard for the Baloch people, is held as justification for their increasing resentment and larger aspirations for freedom.

(With inputs from agencies)

The westernmost province of Pakistan, Balochistan, shares its border with Iran, Afghanistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Arabian Sea. The Balochs, who form approximately 50 per cent of the total population of Balochistan, entered the region in 14th century CE.

The westernmost province of Pakistan, Balochistan, shares its border with Iran, Afghanistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Arabian Sea. The Balochs, who form approximately 50 per cent of the total population of Balochistan, entered the region in 14th century CE. Balochistan, which is volatile and rife with historical tensions, has witnessed regular insurgencies since Pakistan annexed the autonomous Baloch state of Kalat in 1948. Also read | Pakistan: Statue of Mohammad Ali Jinnah destroyed in blast in Balochistan Balochs complain about the lack of autonomy and long-standing social and economic neglect in addition to a deteriorating human rights scenario in the country. They have faced extreme deprivation and marginalisation from both Pakistan and Iran that has resulted in a strong desire for liberation among them. Balochistan is Pakistan's largest and poorest province despite being rich in natural resources. Resentment has been fuelled by billions of dollars of Chinese money flowing into the region through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key part of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative, which locals say gave them little benefit as most new jobs went to outsiders. The Balochistan conflict has a long, complex history, but since that time the stakes have risen as Balochistan’s wealth of copper, gold, gas and coal deposits caught China’s eye. The prospects of Pakistan’s most reliable ally pouring in money excited successive governments while fuelling Baloch resentment over how little would come their way. Also read-EXCLUSIVE| 'Things have got worse in Balochistan': Akbar Bugti's grandson appeals for global support Separatist militants have frequently targeted Chinese construction in Gwadar, a port on the Balochistan coast, near the entrance to the strategically-important Gulf. And in 2018, the Balochistan Liberation Army launched an assault on the Chinese consulate in the southern port city of Karachi, killing four Pakistani police and civilians. In his first video interview in five years, Allah Nazar Baloch, head of the ethnic Baluch group Baluchistan Liberation Front (BLF), also vowed further attacks on a Chinese economic corridor, parts of which run through the resource-rich province. The planned $46 billion trade route is expected to link western China with Pakistan’s Arabian Sea via a network of roads, railways and energy pipelines. Balochistan, where separatist militants have waged an insurgency against the state that has grown in profile as ally China develops mining there, has long been plagued by enforced disappearances. Families say men are picked up by the Pakistani security forces, disappear often for years, and are sometimes found dead, with no official explanation. The 2006 arrest of Akhtar Mengal, the Chief Minister of Balochistan, is a glaring example. He was arrested and denied basic rights of medical treatment or bedding while being imprisoned. Adding insult to injury, he was also kept in a cage during subsequent court proceedings. A federal commission set up nine years ago listed 6,506 cases of enforced disappearances nationwide by the end of 2019. Most came from the northwestern province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Karima Mehrab, a refugee from the Balochistan region of western Pakistan who was also known as Karima Baloch, went missing in Toronto’s downtown waterfront area. Police found her dead body later. Mehrab was a prominent student organizer who campaigned for Balochistan’s separation from Pakistan, and later fled to Canada amid threats. She was named one of the BBC’s 100 inspirational and influential women of 2016. Previously, Sajid Hussain, a Balochistan journalist and activist living in exile in Sweden, was found drowned there, according to media reports. In 2020, the Balochistan National Party (BNP) quit Prime Minister Imran Khan’s parliamentary bloc, frustrated by unfulfilled promises to address Baloch grievances including the festering issue of the disappeared. Though residing in the same region, the ethnic identity of the Baloch has remained in sharp contrast to the ultranationalism that defines the Pakistani state. Therefore, the Pakistani security forces, who see many of the Baloch nationalist groups as terrorists, have crushed any opposition or demand for reform. Using the military to quell any Baloch uprising into submission has become a norm, and any attempts at protest have been reduced to naught. While gas was discovered in the province in the 1950s, it was largely used to supply Karachi and Punjab, with Quetta, the capital of Balochistan only receiving access to these local resources in the 1980s. Since then, Islamabad has provided this natural gas only to supply the army cantonments in Balochistan, and as of 2014, 59 percent of the urban population of Balochistan did not have access to the resource. As of January 2020, the Sui Southern Gas Company, which supplies gas to Sindh and Balochistan, reported the shortfall of gas at nearly 40 percent. Such deprivation, combined with the repression and blatant disregard for the Baloch people, is held as justification for their increasing resentment and larger aspirations for freedom. (With inputs from agencies)

From Pakistan's repression to Chinese discrimination: The untold story of Balochistan

Pakistan's restive Balochistan province saw 2,886 terrorist attacks and 3,184 related deaths in the last decade, according to a media report.

From 2010 to 2015, 2,049 people died in 1,701 militant attacks in the southwestern province, SAMAA TV reported. From 2016 to 2020, 1,135 people were killed in 1,185 terror attacks.

Among the 3,184 terror-related deaths in the last decade, 2,058 were civilians and 1,126 were security personnel, the news channel reported.

The numbers come in the backdrop of last week's brutal killing of 11 Shia Hazara coal miners by Islamic State terrorists in the province's mountainous Machh area.

The Shia Hazara community, who live in the border areas of Balochistan and Afghanistan, are the main targets of sectarian violence in the province as they are easily identifiable due to their distinctive physical appearance. Sunni militants consider them as heretics.

The targeted killing of the coal miners drew worldwide condemnation, including reproach from the offices of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and United Nations General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir.

The families of the deceased coal miners had initially refused to bury the bodies till the militants were arrested. They ended their protest on Saturday last after Prime Minister Imran Khan promised to visit them.

Khan visited them on Saturday, saying the entire nation stands with them. The prime minister said his mission was to unite the people of the country, and the Muslim world at large.

Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau on Monday said a large-scale operation would be launched against militants in the province.

''The operation will be extended till every terrorist is eliminated. Terrorists want to divide us on the basis of sectarianism and language. The people have thwarted every attempt of the terrorists in the past and will keep doing so in the future as well," Langau said, after chairing a high-level meeting in the aftermath of the killing of the coal miners, The Express Tribune reported.

The minister said the terrorists and their facilitators would be identified and eliminated.

However, critics of the Pakistan government said security forces may be given additional power during the anti-terror operation, leading to the harassment of innocent locals and the poor.

Pakistan's restive Balochistan province saw 2,886 terrorist attacks and 3,184 related deaths in the last decade, according to a media report. From 2010 to 2015, 2,049 people died in 1,701 militant attacks in the southwestern province, SAMAA TV reported.

Pakistan's restive Balochistan province saw 2,886 terrorist attacks and 3,184 related deaths in the last decade, according to a media report. From 2010 to 2015, 2,049 people died in 1,701 militant attacks in the southwestern province, SAMAA TV reported. From 2016 to 2020, 1,135 people were killed in 1,185 terror attacks. Among the 3,184 terror-related deaths in the last decade, 2,058 were civilians and 1,126 were security personnel, the news channel reported. The numbers come in the backdrop of last week's brutal killing of 11 Shia Hazara coal miners by Islamic State terrorists in the province's mountainous Machh area. The Shia Hazara community, who live in the border areas of Balochistan and Afghanistan, are the main targets of sectarian violence in the province as they are easily identifiable due to their distinctive physical appearance. Sunni militants consider them as heretics. The targeted killing of the coal miners drew worldwide condemnation, including reproach from the offices of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and United Nations General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir. The families of the deceased coal miners had initially refused to bury the bodies till the militants were arrested. They ended their protest on Saturday last after Prime Minister Imran Khan promised to visit them. Khan visited them on Saturday, saying the entire nation stands with them. The prime minister said his mission was to unite the people of the country, and the Muslim world at large. Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau on Monday said a large-scale operation would be launched against militants in the province. ''The operation will be extended till every terrorist is eliminated. Terrorists want to divide us on the basis of sectarianism and language. The people have thwarted every attempt of the terrorists in the past and will keep doing so in the future as well," Langau said, after chairing a high-level meeting in the aftermath of the killing of the coal miners, The Express Tribune reported. The minister said the terrorists and their facilitators would be identified and eliminated. However, critics of the Pakistan government said security forces may be given additional power during the anti-terror operation, leading to the harassment of innocent locals and the poor.

Pakistan's Balochistan saw 2,886 terror attacks and 3,184 related deaths in last decade: Report

&nbsp;Threats, forced disappearances and mass killings - that's how Pakistan tries to crush dissent in Balochistan.

The state-sponsored campaign of oppression has forced many to leave homeland Balochistan even as lakhs of Balochis fled overseas in search of safety.

However, Pakistan seems to have sent its death squads after them. This year has seen a string of mysterious deaths. First, a Baloch journalist was found dead in Sweden, then two deaths took place in Afghanistan and now in Canada another mysterious death has taken place.

It is not a local crime story. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/renowned-activist-karima-baloch-who-once-made-rakhi-appeal-to-brother-pm-modi-found-dead-pakistan-link-suspected-351533">Karima Baloch </a>is the latest victim. She was a vocal critic of Pakistan and its army and openly highlighted the human rights violations in Balochistan and how women from vulnerable groups in Pakistan have been targeted.

Her activism forced her to move to Canada five years ago. She was living on refugee status. Three years ago Karima Baloch made a big claim. She said Canada is giving asylum to members of the Pakistani army. The same army which has been hounding the Baloch people.

On Tuesday, the local police in Toronto found the dead body of Karima Baloch. She had gone missing on Sunday as cops sought public assistance to locate her. Karima Baloch was a public figure and certainly on target of the Pakistani security establishment.

Her criticism of the Canadian government is now going viral on social media and its not without merit.

In an exclusive response, the Toronto police told WION that the investigation is underway. However, they are treating it as a "non-criminal death". They believe there was nothing suspicious about her death even as activists say her family was receiving threats.

According to a report, Karima Baloch recently received anonymous threats. They said "someone would send her a Christmas gift" and "teach her a lesson". In Balochistan, she was seen as a pioneer of women activism which earned her an invitation to a United Nations session in Switzerland where she spoke about the violation of human rights in Balochistan.

In 2014, she became the first woman chairperson of Baloch students organisation Azad, a body that campaigns for the students in Balochistan. Pakistan has tried to paint the group as a terrorist organisation.

In 2013, Islamabad had banned it but it didn't deter Karima Baloch as her following grew. In 2016, she recorded a video message for India's prime minister Narendra Modi asking him to become the voice of the Baloch movement.

In the following years, Karima Baloch campaigned for the freedom of Balochistan from the streets of Canada. In her speeches, she kept calling for India's support. Karima Baloch felt India could play an important role in highlighting the rights violations in Balochistan.

As the world continues to ignore the plight of her people, she pinned her hopes on India now, Karima Baloch is dead and Canada finds nothing suspicious.

Threats, forced disappearances and mass killings - that's how Pakistan tries to crush dissent in Balochistan. The state-sponsored campaign of oppression has forced many to leave homeland Balochistan even as lakhs of Balochis fled overseas in search of safety.

Threats, forced disappearances and mass killings - that's how Pakistan tries to crush dissent in Balochistan. The state-sponsored campaign of oppression has forced many to leave homeland Balochistan even as lakhs of Balochis fled overseas in search of safety. However, Pakistan seems to have sent its death squads after them. This year has seen a string of mysterious deaths. First, a Baloch journalist was found dead in Sweden, then two deaths took place in Afghanistan and now in Canada another mysterious death has taken place. It is not a local crime story. Karima Baloch is the latest victim. She was a vocal critic of Pakistan and its army and openly highlighted the human rights violations in Balochistan and how women from vulnerable groups in Pakistan have been targeted. Her activism forced her to move to Canada five years ago. She was living on refugee status. Three years ago Karima Baloch made a big claim. She said Canada is giving asylum to members of the Pakistani army. The same army which has been hounding the Baloch people. On Tuesday, the local police in Toronto found the dead body of Karima Baloch. She had gone missing on Sunday as cops sought public assistance to locate her. Karima Baloch was a public figure and certainly on target of the Pakistani security establishment. Her criticism of the Canadian government is now going viral on social media and its not without merit. In an exclusive response, the Toronto police told WION that the investigation is underway. However, they are treating it as a "non-criminal death". They believe there was nothing suspicious about her death even as activists say her family was receiving threats. According to a report, Karima Baloch recently received anonymous threats. They said "someone would send her a Christmas gift" and "teach her a lesson". In Balochistan, she was seen as a pioneer of women activism which earned her an invitation to a United Nations session in Switzerland where she spoke about the violation of human rights in Balochistan. In 2014, she became the first woman chairperson of Baloch students organisation Azad, a body that campaigns for the students in Balochistan. Pakistan has tried to paint the group as a terrorist organisation. In 2013, Islamabad had banned it but it didn't deter Karima Baloch as her following grew. In 2016, she recorded a video message for India's prime minister Narendra Modi asking him to become the voice of the Baloch movement. In the following years, Karima Baloch campaigned for the freedom of Balochistan from the streets of Canada. In her speeches, she kept calling for India's support. Karima Baloch felt India could play an important role in highlighting the rights violations in Balochistan. As the world continues to ignore the plight of her people, she pinned her hopes on India now, Karima Baloch is dead and Canada finds nothing suspicious.

Karima Baloch dead: How Pakistan tries to crush dissent in Balochistan

Balochistan is Pakistan's biggest and most neglected province. The region has been torn between insurgency and state-sponsored crimes.

Pakistan's military is guilty of enforced disappearances, mass murder, arbitrary arrests and extra-judicial killings in Balochistan, making the province a text book example of human rights abuse.

China's entry into the region, through CPEC, has made matters worse. Those living in Balochistan do not want to be a part of Pakistan, but speaking up for independence results in disappearance or death.

On August 26, 2006, former Governor of Balochistan,&nbsp;and the tallest leader of the region, Akbar Bugti was assassinated by Pakistan's military. After 14 years of that incident, not much has changed. Pakistan's military continues to violate the Baloch, and their independence is not in sight.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-brahumdagh-bugti-speaks-to-wion-323079/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In an exclusive interview with WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma,&nbsp;Brahmdagh Bugti, the grandson of&nbsp;Akbar Bugti and the President of the Baloch Republican Party, talked about the&nbsp;independence movement of Balochistan.

Fourteen years after the assassination of Akbar Bugti, the movement is on a larger scale now. "If you compare the independence movement with what was there 14 years ago, you will see that it was not this widely known on an international level. People are talking about it now, including the United Nations and various Human Rights activists, and a lot of other international platforms are highlighting the human rights violation in Balochistan,"&nbsp;Brahmdagh Bugti said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawab-akbar-bugtis-death-anniversary-how-baloch-leaders-killing-rocked-pakistan-323049">Also read|&nbsp;Nawab Akbar Bugti's death anniversary: How Baloch leader’s killing rocked Pakistan</a>

When asked about why isn't any action taken even after the awareness on an international level, he replied, "Each nation has its own interest. The people from the UN, in my experience, only come to speak and listen about what is going on, and promote their own interests and issues. They do help the countries that have human rights violations, but it is very less."

Bugti had also, in the past, sought help from India. However, the Indian government has not provided any help so far. "So far, we have not received any help from India except from the India media. However, I think there is nothing wrong in India helping if Pakistan requests it. People are dying (in Balochistan) and extreme physical force is being used on locals. Resources are being grabbed from one set of the community to benefit another. So, why cannot India help. In 1970s, India helped Bangladesh, so I don't see why India cannot help Balochistan. India can put pressure on Pakistan to stop it, and stop the bloodshed, torture and the violence," he said.

Brahmdagh Bugti has claimed that he is ready to have a dialogue with the Pakistan government on some conditions, but the government has not acknowledged the same. "Dialogue is a political thing. In no political situation can anyone reject a dialogue. I am ready for it, but the Pakistan government has not&nbsp;reached out to me recently. There have been few messages but nothing major."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-all-weather-friend-china-faces-heat-in-pok-over-dams-323010">Also read|&nbsp;Pakistan's 'all-weather friend' China faces heat in PoK over dams</a>

The entry of China in Pakistan through the CPEC project, Bugti believes, is a destructive policy for the people of Baloch. "What we want for our future is on us to decide. Whether we want schools, universities, roads, port, or not is for us to decide. We should get to decide what happens on our land, and not someone else&nbsp;sitting in Islamabad or Beijing," he expressed. He also added that people who disagree with these decisions are labelled as terrorists, traitors, and criminals.

Bugti also claimed that the locals have no idea about what is being built there, and the locals are moved from one place to another on gunpoint for the project.

Talking about attacks on the Chinese workers in Balochistan, Bugti stressed that the incidents were not attacks but defense. "They are defensive actions. Attacking is going to someone's land and attacking, but they are only doing this in Balochistan," he said.

"These are not justified because we are against violence, but these are normal reactions," he added.

WION&nbsp;did extensive group reports from Balochistan focusing on the military role in forced disappearances from 2017. Bugti claims the situation has worsened since then.&nbsp;

While the&nbsp;Uighur Muslim group in China and the Tibet group are getting global support, Balochistan has not yet got as much support. "We are trying our best, and we have hope. A lot of people claim but in reality, there is nothing. If India supports us now, things will be different."

Talking about the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Bugti alleged Khan of changing his words every day. "People are making jokes&nbsp;and laughing. If you see social media and even the local media, things are in a mess. Everybody is laughing at the situation," Bugti laughed.

"It is not Imran Khan, but the people behind him. It points towards their stupidity that they chose (Imran Khan) for such a position," he added.

Balochistan is Pakistan's biggest and most neglected province. The region has been torn between insurgency and state-sponsored crimes. Pakistan's military is guilty of enforced disappearances, mass murder, arbitrary arrests and extra-judicial killings in Balochistan, making the province a text book example of human rights abuse.

Balochistan is Pakistan's biggest and most neglected province. The region has been torn between insurgency and state-sponsored crimes. Pakistan's military is guilty of enforced disappearances, mass murder, arbitrary arrests and extra-judicial killings in Balochistan, making the province a text book example of human rights abuse. China's entry into the region, through CPEC, has made matters worse. Those living in Balochistan do not want to be a part of Pakistan, but speaking up for independence results in disappearance or death. On August 26, 2006, former Governor of Balochistan, and the tallest leader of the region, Akbar Bugti was assassinated by Pakistan's military. After 14 years of that incident, not much has changed. Pakistan's military continues to violate the Baloch, and their independence is not in sight. In an exclusive interview with WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma, Brahmdagh Bugti, the grandson of Akbar Bugti and the President of the Baloch Republican Party, talked about the independence movement of Balochistan. Fourteen years after the assassination of Akbar Bugti, the movement is on a larger scale now. "If you compare the independence movement with what was there 14 years ago, you will see that it was not this widely known on an international level. People are talking about it now, including the United Nations and various Human Rights activists, and a lot of other international platforms are highlighting the human rights violation in Balochistan," Brahmdagh Bugti said. Also read| Nawab Akbar Bugti's death anniversary: How Baloch leader’s killing rocked Pakistan When asked about why isn't any action taken even after the awareness on an international level, he replied, "Each nation has its own interest. The people from the UN, in my experience, only come to speak and listen about what is going on, and promote their own interests and issues. They do help the countries that have human rights violations, but it is very less." Bugti had also, in the past, sought help from India. However, the Indian government has not provided any help so far. "So far, we have not received any help from India except from the India media. However, I think there is nothing wrong in India helping if Pakistan requests it. People are dying (in Balochistan) and extreme physical force is being used on locals. Resources are being grabbed from one set of the community to benefit another. So, why cannot India help. In 1970s, India helped Bangladesh, so I don't see why India cannot help Balochistan. India can put pressure on Pakistan to stop it, and stop the bloodshed, torture and the violence," he said. Brahmdagh Bugti has claimed that he is ready to have a dialogue with the Pakistan government on some conditions, but the government has not acknowledged the same. "Dialogue is a political thing. In no political situation can anyone reject a dialogue. I am ready for it, but the Pakistan government has not reached out to me recently. There have been few messages but nothing major." Also read| Pakistan's 'all-weather friend' China faces heat in PoK over dams The entry of China in Pakistan through the CPEC project, Bugti believes, is a destructive policy for the people of Baloch. "What we want for our future is on us to decide. Whether we want schools, universities, roads, port, or not is for us to decide. We should get to decide what happens on our land, and not someone else sitting in Islamabad or Beijing," he expressed. He also added that people who disagree with these decisions are labelled as terrorists, traitors, and criminals. Bugti also claimed that the locals have no idea about what is being built there, and the locals are moved from one place to another on gunpoint for the project. Talking about attacks on the Chinese workers in Balochistan, Bugti stressed that the incidents were not attacks but defense. "They are defensive actions. Attacking is going to someone's land and attacking, but they are only doing this in Balochistan," he said. "These are not justified because we are against violence, but these are normal reactions," he added. WION did extensive group reports from Balochistan focusing on the military role in forced disappearances from 2017. Bugti claims the situation has worsened since then. While the Uighur Muslim group in China and the Tibet group are getting global support, Balochistan has not yet got as much support. "We are trying our best, and we have hope. A lot of people claim but in reality, there is nothing. If India supports us now, things will be different." Talking about the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Bugti alleged Khan of changing his words every day. "People are making jokes and laughing. If you see social media and even the local media, things are in a mess. Everybody is laughing at the situation," Bugti laughed. "It is not Imran Khan, but the people behind him. It points towards their stupidity that they chose (Imran Khan) for such a position," he added.

EXCLUSIVE| 'Things have got worse in Balochistan': Akbar Bugti's grandson appeals for global support

Pakistan's "Iron Lady of Balochistan"&nbsp;Jalila Haider will receive the International Women of Courage award this year, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo announced today.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/geneva-activists-protest-seek-un-intervention-to-prevent-pak-inflicted-genocide-in-balochistan-284207">Also Read: &nbsp;Activists seek UN intervention to prevent genocide in Balochistan</a>

"Jalila Haider is a human rights attorney and founder of "We the Humans - Pakistan", a non-profit organization to lift local communities by strengthening opportunities for vulnerable women and children," the US government said in a statement, adding,"she specialises in defending women’s rights and provides free counselling and legal services to poverty-affected women."

Jalila Haider who belongs to the Hazara community has led "peaceful hunger strike to recognise the right to life for the Hazara following a series of targeted attacks," the US government said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/baloch-women-children-hold-protest-against-enforced-disappearances-257694">Also Read: Baloch women, children hold protest against enforced disappearances</a>

She has not only taken up the cause of many other vulnerable communities, Jalila is&nbsp;also the president of Balochistan’s Women Democratic Front and Balochistan’s branch of the "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-gears-up-for-womens-march-amid-row-284040">Aurat</a>&nbsp;(Woman’s) March"&nbsp;and&nbsp;has fought against violence against women in public spaces and at work, the US government asserted.

Jalila will receive the award on March 4 along with tweleve women from around the world. The award which was instituted in 2007 has recognised 134 women from 73 countries so far.

Pakistan's "Iron Lady of Balochistan" Jalila Haider will receive the International Women of Courage award this year, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo announced today.

Pakistan's "Iron Lady of Balochistan" Jalila Haider will receive the International Women of Courage award this year, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo announced today. Also Read: Activists seek UN intervention to prevent genocide in Balochistan "Jalila Haider is a human rights attorney and founder of "We the Humans - Pakistan", a non-profit organization to lift local communities by strengthening opportunities for vulnerable women and children," the US government said in a statement, adding,"she specialises in defending women’s rights and provides free counselling and legal services to poverty-affected women." Jalila Haider who belongs to the Hazara community has led "peaceful hunger strike to recognise the right to life for the Hazara following a series of targeted attacks," the US government said. Also Read: Baloch women, children hold protest against enforced disappearances She has not only taken up the cause of many other vulnerable communities, Jalila is also the president of Balochistan’s Women Democratic Front and Balochistan’s branch of the "Aurat (Woman’s) March" and has fought against violence against women in public spaces and at work, the US government asserted. Jalila will receive the award on March 4 along with tweleve women from around the world. The award which was instituted in 2007 has recognised 134 women from 73 countries so far.

Jalila Haider, the 'Iron Lady of Balochistan' to receive US government's International Women of Courage award

Balochistan should be oozing with optimism as Chinese and Saudi investment pours into the troubled Pakistani province. It is not. Instead, Balochistan, a key node in China’s Belt and Road initiative that borders Iran, is gripped by anger, fear and uncertainty.

Local residents are waiting with bated breath Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan’s visit this week for the Gwadar Expo 2019 and groundbreaking of several infrastructure and development projects, including an international airport, a power plant, a vocational training institute and a hospital.

Against the backdrop of a history of neglect and underdevelopment, resource-rich Balochistan struggles with a failing health and education system, drought, and lack of basic infrastructure.

“The historical lack of investment in basic economic and social infrastructure in the province – except for extraction of natural gas for use in other provinces – has resulted in a low level of economic activity, implying a narrow tax base and limited fiscal resources to invest in development,” said economist Kaiser Bengali in a recently published study.

Beyond looking at Balochistan as a source of resource wealth, successive governments in Islamabad alongside the powerful military have viewed the province predominantly through the lens of security and law enforcement driven by domestic and geopolitical concerns.

Kech, Balochistan’s second most populous region known to be the province’s intellectual heartland from which many of its most prominent politicians, scholars, bureaucrats, poets, and writers hail, is a case in point. Access to the internet and 3G and 4G mobile services was cut off in Kech two years ago for security reasons. It is yet to be re-established.&nbsp;

Theoretically, all of that could change with massive Chinese and Saudi investment as well as Balochistan’s increased geopolitical significance given that it borders on Iran’s equally troubled Sistan and Baluchistan province.

Balochistan’s Chinese-supported port of Gwadar takes on added importance as Iran looks to its Indian-backed port of Chabahar, a mere 70 kilometres up the coast of the Arabian Sea, as a way to blunt the impact of crippling US sanctions.

The sanctions were imposed last year after the Trump administration withdrew from the 2015 international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program. Chabahar is the only Iranian port exempted from the sanctions in a nod to India.

China has invested in recent years an estimated $19 billion in Gwadar as well as roads and other infrastructure in Balochistan as part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). China and Pakistan envision CPEC as a crown jewel of Beijing’s infrastructure- and energy driven Belt and Road initiative.

For its part, Saudi Arabia is looking to pump more than $10 billion into the building of a refinery in Gwadar and the development of a &nbsp;gold and copper mine on the Iranian border.

The problem is that the lack of a trickle-down effect has so far served to fuel anger rather than spark a sense of optimism among local Baloch. The Baloch have seen jobs being handed out to workers from other parts of Pakistan as well as China, parts of Gwadar being developed into a no-go zone for locals, and fishermen being banned from their traditional fishing ponds.

In addition, predictions that Balochistan’s indigenous population of 70,000 will be dwarfed by an estimated two million immigrants from other parts of Pakistan, as well as China, have reinforced a prevailing sense of uncertainty.

Some of that anger and uncertainty has been channelled into anti-Chinese and anti-Pakistani nationalist sentiment with intermittent attacks on Chinese targets as well as militant religious assaults on the Pakistani military, law enforcement and judicial outposts.

Similarly, Balochistan’s strategic geopolitical position is as much an asset as it is a problem. The Saudi investment coupled with the US and Saudi determination to force Iran to change its regional policies, if not its regime, have made the province alongside its equally underdeveloped neighbouring Iranian counterpart potential battlefields.

Cross border attacks and suicide bombings have added to uncertainty fuelled by statements coming out of Washington and Riyadh as well as reports of funds from Saudi Arabia flowing into militant anti-Shiite, anti-Iranian madrassas or religious seminaries that dot the Pakistani-Iranian border.

The attacks together with the Saudi investment and evolving US and Saudi strategy has put strains on Pakistani-Iranian relations with each side pointing a finger to the other. In the media and among policy wonks, the finger pointing often amounts to the kettle calling the pot black.

“Fact (is) that there is a problem in Sistan-o-Balochistan where people are struggling for their political rights in their own province. It is a common grudge amongst the Baloch population in the Iranian Balochistan that they are under-represented in the government, bureaucracy and armed forces… Sectarian divide is another major source of friction in the province where overwhelming majority of Baloch are Sunnis… Poverty amongst the Baloch is the highest if compared to rest of the country,” said former Pakistani ambassador Assif Durrani who was last posted in Tehran.

Durrani’s comments were equally applicable to the Baloch province of his own country.

Returning from a recent visit to Balochistan, Pakistani policy analyst Muhammad Amir Rana described “an environment of fear; the local journalists cannot report much about residents’ issues, not even water supply problems.”

Rana expressed hope that Khan, the prime minister, would “help locals retreat from the jaws of uncertainty and fear.”

To do that, Khan will have to do more than talk the walk and inaugurate projects.

He will have to ensure equitable economic and social policies and address indeed both immediate concerns and existential fears.&nbsp;

He will also have to manage an explosive geopolitical environment despite increasing economic and financial dependence on key external players. That could prove to be a tall order. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

&nbsp;

Balochistan should be oozing with optimism as Chinese and Saudi investment pours into the troubled Pakistani province. It is not. Instead, Balochistan, a key node in China’s Belt and Road initiative that borders Iran, is gripped by anger, fear and uncertainty.

Balochistan should be oozing with optimism as Chinese and Saudi investment pours into the troubled Pakistani province. It is not. Instead, Balochistan, a key node in China’s Belt and Road initiative that borders Iran, is gripped by anger, fear and uncertainty. Local residents are waiting with bated breath Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan’s visit this week for the Gwadar Expo 2019 and groundbreaking of several infrastructure and development projects, including an international airport, a power plant, a vocational training institute and a hospital. Against the backdrop of a history of neglect and underdevelopment, resource-rich Balochistan struggles with a failing health and education system, drought, and lack of basic infrastructure. “The historical lack of investment in basic economic and social infrastructure in the province – except for extraction of natural gas for use in other provinces – has resulted in a low level of economic activity, implying a narrow tax base and limited fiscal resources to invest in development,” said economist Kaiser Bengali in a recently published study. Beyond looking at Balochistan as a source of resource wealth, successive governments in Islamabad alongside the powerful military have viewed the province predominantly through the lens of security and law enforcement driven by domestic and geopolitical concerns. Kech, Balochistan’s second most populous region known to be the province’s intellectual heartland from which many of its most prominent politicians, scholars, bureaucrats, poets, and writers hail, is a case in point. Access to the internet and 3G and 4G mobile services was cut off in Kech two years ago for security reasons. It is yet to be re-established. Theoretically, all of that could change with massive Chinese and Saudi investment as well as Balochistan’s increased geopolitical significance given that it borders on Iran’s equally troubled Sistan and Baluchistan province. Balochistan’s Chinese-supported port of Gwadar takes on added importance as Iran looks to its Indian-backed port of Chabahar, a mere 70 kilometres up the coast of the Arabian Sea, as a way to blunt the impact of crippling US sanctions. The sanctions were imposed last year after the Trump administration withdrew from the 2015 international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program. Chabahar is the only Iranian port exempted from the sanctions in a nod to India. China has invested in recent years an estimated $19 billion in Gwadar as well as roads and other infrastructure in Balochistan as part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). China and Pakistan envision CPEC as a crown jewel of Beijing’s infrastructure- and energy driven Belt and Road initiative. For its part, Saudi Arabia is looking to pump more than $10 billion into the building of a refinery in Gwadar and the development of a gold and copper mine on the Iranian border. The problem is that the lack of a trickle-down effect has so far served to fuel anger rather than spark a sense of optimism among local Baloch. The Baloch have seen jobs being handed out to workers from other parts of Pakistan as well as China, parts of Gwadar being developed into a no-go zone for locals, and fishermen being banned from their traditional fishing ponds. In addition, predictions that Balochistan’s indigenous population of 70,000 will be dwarfed by an estimated two million immigrants from other parts of Pakistan, as well as China, have reinforced a prevailing sense of uncertainty. Some of that anger and uncertainty has been channelled into anti-Chinese and anti-Pakistani nationalist sentiment with intermittent attacks on Chinese targets as well as militant religious assaults on the Pakistani military, law enforcement and judicial outposts. Similarly, Balochistan’s strategic geopolitical position is as much an asset as it is a problem. The Saudi investment coupled with the US and Saudi determination to force Iran to change its regional policies, if not its regime, have made the province alongside its equally underdeveloped neighbouring Iranian counterpart potential battlefields. Cross border attacks and suicide bombings have added to uncertainty fuelled by statements coming out of Washington and Riyadh as well as reports of funds from Saudi Arabia flowing into militant anti-Shiite, anti-Iranian madrassas or religious seminaries that dot the Pakistani-Iranian border. The attacks together with the Saudi investment and evolving US and Saudi strategy has put strains on Pakistani-Iranian relations with each side pointing a finger to the other. In the media and among policy wonks, the finger pointing often amounts to the kettle calling the pot black. “Fact (is) that there is a problem in Sistan-o-Balochistan where people are struggling for their political rights in their own province. It is a common grudge amongst the Baloch population in the Iranian Balochistan that they are under-represented in the government, bureaucracy and armed forces… Sectarian divide is another major source of friction in the province where overwhelming majority of Baloch are Sunnis… Poverty amongst the Baloch is the highest if compared to rest of the country,” said former Pakistani ambassador Assif Durrani who was last posted in Tehran. Durrani’s comments were equally applicable to the Baloch province of his own country. Returning from a recent visit to Balochistan, Pakistani policy analyst Muhammad Amir Rana described “an environment of fear; the local journalists cannot report much about residents’ issues, not even water supply problems.” Rana expressed hope that Khan, the prime minister, would “help locals retreat from the jaws of uncertainty and fear.” To do that, Khan will have to do more than talk the walk and inaugurate projects. He will have to ensure equitable economic and social policies and address indeed both immediate concerns and existential fears. He will also have to manage an explosive geopolitical environment despite increasing economic and financial dependence on key external players. That could prove to be a tall order. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Against the backdrop of history of neglect, Balochistan is gripped by fear and uncertainty

The members of the Baloch Republican Party (BPR) have raised the issue of human rights violations carried out by Pakistan in Balochistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

&quot;The precious natural resources of Balochistan are being looted and taken away by the Pakistani state while the Baloch people are forced to live in Stone Age like conditions,&quot; said representative of the Baloch Republican Party to the UNHRC Abdul Nawaz Bugti.

&quot;Whenever the Baloch people demanded their rights from the Pakistani state, the response has always been military operations and massacre by the army,&quot; he added, &quot;300 thousand Baloch have been displaced and 27 thousands have become the victim of enforced disappearances.&quot;

He noted that &quot;torture and custodial killings of Baloch activists are common practice. Even women and children are not spared.&quot;

Another activist of BPR threw light on the plight of women in Balochistan.

&quot;While the world talks about gender equality and equal rights for women, the women in Balochistan are facing state terrorism, in addition to global problems,&quot; activist, BPR Muhammad Jawad.

&quot;They are most affected by the military operations, enforced disappearances of their family members,&quot; he added.

Jawad went on to say that &quot;there is hardly women in Balochistan who has not lost his husband, brother, father or son as a result of notorious kill and dump policy of Pakistan Army.&quot;

The members of the Baloch Republican Party (BPR) have raised the issue of human rights violations carried out by Pakistan in Balochistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

The members of the Baloch Republican Party (BPR) have raised the issue of human rights violations carried out by Pakistan in Balochistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). "The precious natural resources of Balochistan are being looted and taken away by the Pakistani state while the Baloch people are forced to live in Stone Age like conditions," said representative of the Baloch Republican Party to the UNHRC Abdul Nawaz Bugti. "Whenever the Baloch people demanded their rights from the Pakistani state, the response has always been military operations and massacre by the army," he added, "300 thousand Baloch have been displaced and 27 thousands have become the victim of enforced disappearances." He noted that "torture and custodial killings of Baloch activists are common practice. Even women and children are not spared." Another activist of BPR threw light on the plight of women in Balochistan. "While the world talks about gender equality and equal rights for women, the women in Balochistan are facing state terrorism, in addition to global problems," activist, BPR Muhammad Jawad. "They are most affected by the military operations, enforced disappearances of their family members," he added. Jawad went on to say that "there is hardly women in Balochistan who has not lost his husband, brother, father or son as a result of notorious kill and dump policy of Pakistan Army."

Baloch activists raise voice against atrocities by Pakistan at UNHRC

The China-Pakistan Corridor Project (CPEC) is a &quot;militarised project&quot; and Beijing is Pakistan&#39;s strategic partner that is supporting the country in mass killings of the Balochi people, Baloch National Movement (BNM), a Baloch nationalist political organisation, has accused.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;China is Pakistan&#39;s strategic partner in the economic plundering and mass murder of Baloch civilians particularly in the coastal belt of the Makran region of Balochistan. The deep sea port of Gwadar has been sold to China for military buildup and expansion into the Arabian Sea,&quot; &nbsp;read an official statement by the organisation, according to Indian news agency ANI.&nbsp; 
 
The statement was issued regarding the joint protest of Baloch and Sindhi activists held outside the United Nations to condemn the Pakistani atrocities and the &#39;ongoing military operations&#39; in Sindh and Balochistan. 
 
Calling the &nbsp;47 billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a &quot;death trap&quot; for the Balochis in the name of development , the official statement further said: &quot;An estimated 300,000 Baloch tribal and coastal population has been forced out of their ancestral lands and fishing villages to make room for the Chinese and their security establishment.&rdquo; 
 
The statement further underlined the plight of the Balochis, many of whom have been tortured and executed in custody in thousands. More than 20,000 political activists had gone missing by being illegally abducted by the Pakistani state security forces, the statement said.&nbsp;Activists have called out to the US and the international communities to help them establish peace and justice.&nbsp; 
 
Activist calls Nawaz Sharif &#39;puppet of the army&#39;&nbsp; 
 
BNM activist Nabi Baksh has also lashed out at Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, saying that he is merely a &ldquo;puppet&rdquo; of the army,&nbsp; 
 
&quot;We don&#39;t expect anything from Nawaz Sharif, he is a mere puppet, and the army is ruling the country. They do not have a democratic government in Pakistan,&quot; Baksh, deputy convener of the BNM, North America, told ANI. 
 
Party&#39;s activists alleged that it was Pakistan that carried out the attack on the Indian military camp at Uri in Kashmir Valley which killed 18 Indian jawans.&nbsp; 
 
(WION with inputs from ANI)

Activists of the nationalist political organisation allege that the China-Pak Corridor Project is a militarised project

The China-Pakistan Corridor Project (CPEC) is a "militarised project" and Beijing is Pakistan's strategic partner that is supporting the country in mass killings of the Balochi people, Baloch National Movement (BNM), a Baloch nationalist political organisation, has accused. "China is Pakistan's strategic partner in the economic plundering and mass murder of Baloch civilians particularly in the coastal belt of the Makran region of Balochistan. The deep sea port of Gwadar has been sold to China for military buildup and expansion into the Arabian Sea," read an official statement by the organisation, according to Indian news agency ANI. The statement was issued regarding the joint protest of Baloch and Sindhi activists held outside the United Nations to condemn the Pakistani atrocities and the 'ongoing military operations' in Sindh and Balochistan. Calling the 47 billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a "death trap" for the Balochis in the name of development , the official statement further said: "An estimated 300,000 Baloch tribal and coastal population has been forced out of their ancestral lands and fishing villages to make room for the Chinese and their security establishment.” The statement further underlined the plight of the Balochis, many of whom have been tortured and executed in custody in thousands. More than 20,000 political activists had gone missing by being illegally abducted by the Pakistani state security forces, the statement said. Activists have called out to the US and the international communities to help them establish peace and justice. Activist calls Nawaz Sharif 'puppet of the army' BNM activist Nabi Baksh has also lashed out at Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, saying that he is merely a “puppet” of the army, "We don't expect anything from Nawaz Sharif, he is a mere puppet, and the army is ruling the country. They do not have a democratic government in Pakistan," Baksh, deputy convener of the BNM, North America, told ANI. Party's activists alleged that it was Pakistan that carried out the attack on the Indian military camp at Uri in Kashmir Valley which killed 18 Indian jawans. (WION with inputs from ANI)

China supports Pakistan in mass killings of Balochis: Baloch National Movement