BERLIN: The Free Balochistan Movement (German Branch) held a protest in Dortmund, Germany, on Saturday, May 25.
The protest aimed to highlight the impact of Pakistan’s nuclear tests in Balochistan on May 28, 1998, and to inform the world about the dangers of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons.
The protesters distributed pamphlets in German and chanted slogans against ongoing human rights violations by Pakistan and Iran in Balochistan. Participants carried various banners and placards to inform the German public about Pakistan’s nuclear explosion in Balochistan and its destructive aftermath.
The protesters said that during Pakistan’s 75-year occupation of Balochistan, the country has committed numerous atrocities, including nuclear experiments that have depleted the area’s production.
They explained that agriculture and livestock in the Chagai and Gurdu areas have suffered severe losses. Due to nuclear radiation, dangerous diseases, notably cancer, have spread in the region. Birth defects and early diseases are prevalent, and it is widely speculated that Pakistan has stored its nuclear assets in important cities of Balochistan, including Khuzdar and Somiani. Despite this, international organizations remain silent.
The speakers emphasized that the possession of nuclear weapons by an irresponsible state like Pakistan is a serious threat to world peace and neighbouring countries, especially India. Pakistan has repeatedly threatened to use its nuclear weapons over minor disputes with neighbouring nations, causing great concern.
The FBM Germany Branch organizer, Abdul Wajid Baloch, urged responsible countries to help disarm Pakistan, expressing concern that Pakistan might give access to religious extremists to its nuclear weapons. He added that Pakistan’s staggering economy and inevitable economic difficulties make it untrustworthy.
The FBM activists appealed to international institutions working against nuclear arms races to help rid Balochistan of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons.
Speakers at the FBM protest included Abdul Wajid Baloch, Ubaid Zahri Baloch, Faris Baloch, Bibagr Baloch, Naveed Baloch, and Kurdistan’s human rights activist Rojad.