Baloch National Assembly: Activists announce resistance against Pak government repression and China's CPEC

Prominent Baloch rights advocate Mehrang Baloch declared the upcoming event as the Baloch National Assembly, which will begin on July 28.

“The Baloch National Assembly will be a historic public referendum against the Baloch genocide, exploitation of the Baloch coast and resources in the form of so-called mega projects, and turning Balochistan into a prison in the name of security and it will also be the beginning of a powerful public resistance,” Mehrang Baloch said in a statement on X.

The announcement comes at a time when tensions are rising in Balochistan over decades of repression, which activists describe as akin to colonial rule imposed on Balochistan. Known for its rich natural resources, the region has been the focus of development initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). However, local residents denounce these projects, alleging they offer little benefit and lead to widespread deprivation.

“Balochistan has endured seven decades of oppression and persecution reminiscent of colonial rule. Despite being the indigenous inhabitants of this land for millennia, the Baloch people live under constant threat, facing enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and economic marginalization,” the Baloch Yakjehti Samiti said in a post on X.

Development claims made by the Pakistan government have also been criticised, particularly in Gwadar, which is considered the main hub of CPEC. However, Gwadar residents face severe infrastructure deficiencies, including a lack of clean drinking water and erratic electricity supply amid scorching heat.

“State-promoted development has only exacerbated our plight, turning our homes into prisons, while our ancestral lands are exploited for economic gain,” the post said, highlighting the contradiction between the state-promoted development narrative and the reality on the ground.

The upcoming Baloch National Assembly aims to mobilise public support against state-sponsored repression and economic exploitation of activists. The event aims to unify Baloch voices in a collective demand for recognition of Baloch national rights, justice and autonomy.

“We refuse to remain silent amid the suffering of our people and the systematic erosion of our cultural and economic heritage. The Baloch Solidarity Committee invites all Baloch citizens to join us to launch a unified movement against oppression in Gwadar,” the post read.