Quetta: “If the enemy (Pakistani military) had not taken the lives of the great scholars and nobles (of Balochistan) martyred in the struggle (for freedom from Pakistan), their greatness would remain undiminished.”
“Among those striving for Baloch freedom today, many will attain the noble honor of martyrdom. We must honor these strugglers, whose sacrifices, dedication, and resilience deserve our utmost respect and unwavering support.”
These sentiments were expressed at the Baloch National Movement (BNM) Mashkai Awaran Hankeen ceremony held to commemorate Baloch National Martyrs’ Day.
The event featured speeches by BNM Information and Culture Secretary Qazi Dad Mohammad Rehan, Central Committee Member Chief Aslam Baloch, Hankeen President Ustad Mehran, and Zrumbesh Brahui Editor Farhan. The ceremony was moderated by Hankeen Vice President Talar Naz.
Qazi Rehan emphasized that Baloch martyrs did not lay down their lives for fame but to safeguard Baloch interests, according to a statement issued by the BNM today.
Their (martyrs’) struggle aimed to strengthen the Baloch and weaken their enemies.
He stressed the importance of minimizing losses while inflicting greater harm on the enemy, highlighting that retreating in times of inevitable war is the greatest loss, it said.
Victory, he said, is essential for survival.
“Those who sacrifice their lives for a prosperous life, freedom, and the success of their ideals are the martyrs,” Rehan added.
Chief Aslam highlighted that martyrs are remembered with reverence, but it is our comrades who continue to sacrifice their lives for Baloch and Balochistan, the statement said.
He noted that freedom is essential for the life of any nation and described the Baloch tradition of valuing freedom above all else, he said.
Recalling history, he spoke about Khan Mehrab Khan, who chose to fight the British instead of surrendering his freedom, even at the cost of his life.
Ustad Mehran and Farhan delved into the historical importance of November 13, reflecting on the immense harm inflicted by the British on the Baloch nation.
They recounted how Khan Mehrab Khan resisted British attempts to use Baloch land as a route to attack Afghanistan.
Recognizing that Mehrab Khan stood in the way of their ambitions, the British attacked Kalat, the capital of independent Balochistan, leading to the martyrdom of Mehrab Khan and hundreds of his companions.
“Since that day, the Baloch have continued to shed their blood for freedom,” they concluded.
