‘Balochistan Will Never Be Pakistan’: Baloch Leader Qazi Rehan on ‘Operation Baam’

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Qazi Dad Mohammad Rehan, Information Secretary of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), opened up about the launch of "Operation Baam" — a new wave of armed resistance targeting the Pakistan Army in Balochistan.

The operation kicked off Tuesday night with coordinated attacks across key districts like Panjgur, Surab, Kech, and Kharan, marking a clear escalation aimed at crippling Pakistan’s military presence in the region.

“Operation Baam, which means ‘Dawn,’ represents a major turning point in our struggle. It shows that the Baloch people are ready to take control of their own destiny and stand up against Pakistani oppression with organized and effective action,” Qazi explained.

The Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) described this operation as a new phase in their ongoing conflict, designed to weaken the military’s grip and send a bold message of defiance.

Qazi also highlighted that the BNM is unique in Balochistan for completely rejecting participation in Pakistan’s parliamentary system. “We are the first party to boycott the Pakistani parliament,” he said firmly. “We have made it clear — we don’t want to live under Pakistani rule. Our fight is for full independence, not for limited autonomy or token rights.”

He pointed out that earlier generations of Baloch leaders took part in parliamentary politics but gained nothing in return, only witnessing the erosion of their culture and systemic marginalization.

Calling Operation Baam a “symbolic operation,” Qazi stressed that its importance goes beyond just military tactics.

“It shows that Balochistan has the strength and unity to govern itself if given independence. It challenges Pakistan’s narrative that Balochistan would descend into chaos if freed,” he said.

The operation also sends a clear message to both supporters and opponents: Balochistan is not, and will never be, part of Pakistan’s future.

Tracing the roots of the Baloch struggle, Qazi recalled how Pakistan forcefully annexed Balochistan in 1948, crushing its sovereignty soon after the country was formed. “Our people resisted from day one,” he said.

He noted that while tribal leaders initially led the rebellion, the BLF represents a new movement driven by the people themselves, not just the chiefs. “The common Baloch now has a voice and the means to fight back.”

Qazi also emphasized the growing role of younger generations in the conflict, equipped with advanced knowledge of guerrilla warfare and technology.

“This is no longer just a traditional tribal fight — it’s a modern resistance movement with clear strategic goals,” he explained.

On the economic front, Qazi criticized Pakistan’s development projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), especially investments in Gwadar port.

“Billions have been poured into our land, but the Baloch people remain poor, oppressed, and stripped of their resources,” he said firmly. “Balochistan belongs to the Balochs, not to Punjab or any other part of Pakistan.”

Rehan appealed to the international community to recognize the legitimacy of the Baloch cause, warning that silence only encourages further military repression.

“The world must understand that Balochistan’s struggle is just and inevitable. Operation Baam is just the beginning of our renewed push for freedom,” he concluded.