Free Balochistan Movement
| Founder | Hyrbyair Marri |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Political organisation |
| Purpose | Freedom of Independent Balochistan |
| Headquarters | London |
Region | Balochistan |
| Website | https://freebalochistan.com/ |
The Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) is a political organisation advocating for the self-determination and independence of Balochistan. It was established by Baloch leader Hyrbyair Marri with the goal of uniting all parts of divided Balochistan and creating a Baloch nation state.[1] The Free Balochistan Movement has organised various protests around the world that call for the liberation of Balochistan and protest the possession of nuclear weapons by Pakistan.[2][3]
History
[edit]The Free Balochistan Movement was formed to establish an independent Balochistan in an effort to end Iranian and Pakistani dominance over the area.[4] Balochistan, the largest (but least populous) province in Pakistan, is rich in natural resources, but is politically behind the rest of the country.[4][5]
The Balochistan Liberation Army, which is part of the separatist movement, has increased its attacks on Chinese infrastructure projects and Pakistani security forces, particularly those that are involved in the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).[4][5] The CPEC has created local unrest among the people, with increased military control in Gwadar fueled tensions.[6] More than 30 militants were killed during a military rescue operation by Pakistani military forces in March 2025 after the BLA took over a passenger train carrying more than 400 hostages.[4][7]
The conflict significantly intensified after 2020 when Pakistani forces retaliated through military operations and the disappearances of suspected insurgents.[5] Both India and the BLA deny Pakistan's accusation that India supports Baloch militants.[8] The Free Balochistan Movement emphasizes the ongoing fight for sovereignty by marking August 11 as a "historic day" that represents Baloch resistance beginning in 1947, and urges Baloch groups to stand together against the formation of alliances with Iran and Pakistan.[9] MEMRI says that the FBM has drawn its examples from other independence movements around the globe. In order to challenge the region's current state borders, the movement envisions collaborating with Pashtun groups.[10] According to CNN, Some Baloch factions support peaceful political solutions even as militant activity persists.[5] The FBM calls for international support for their secular nationalist cause, arguing that an independent Balochistan is necessary for regional peace and stability.[4]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "The Free Balochistan Movement's vision". Hindustan Times. 2025-03-15. Archived from the original on 2025-03-15. Retrieved 2025-05-17.
- ^ Paliwala, Abdul (1986), "Peace Protest, State and Law", Nuclear Weapons, the Peace Movement and the Law, London: Palgrave Macmillan UK, pp. 139–157, ISBN 978-0-333-41411-8, retrieved 2025-05-17
- ^ "Germany: Free Balochistan Movement raises alarm on Pakistan's nuclear arsenal". The Economic Times. 2024-05-26. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2025-05-17.
- ^ a b c d e Times, The New York (2025-03-12). "The Balochistan Separatist Movement in Pakistan: What to Know". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
- ^ a b c d Saifi, Sophia (2024-08-31). "Roadside executions the latest grim chapter for Pakistan's oldest insurgency". CNN. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
- ^ Press, Associated (2025-02-25). "No passengers, no planes, no benefits: Pakistan's newest airport is a bit of a mystery". CNN. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
- ^ "Pakistan army says 300 hostages freed from train". www.bbc.com. 2025-03-12. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
- ^ "Pakistan blames India after seven soldiers killed in Balochistan blast". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
- ^ "August 11 Independence Day Of One Portion Of Balochistan: FBM". Balochwarna. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
- ^ "Balochistan: Two Steps Away From Independence From Pakistan; Once It Is Achieved, Pakistan Will Collapse; Iran Fears The Same Scenario". MEMRI. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
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