Balochis, whose country is divided between Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, have been struggling for their identity against denial and assimilation for many years. In their struggle, the Baluchis see the Kurds, who have the same fate as them, as a strong reference. In particular, they closely follow the model in Northern and Eastern Syria, which was built with the democratic nation paradigm of Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan.

 

In 2004, Balochs founded the Baloch National Movement (BNM), the Zrumbesh Publishing Company and the human rights department Paank in Pakistan. Baloch human rights activist Jamal Baloch, who works as Media Coordinator at Paank, stated that the model established by the Kurds is a source of inspiration for them. Describing Balochistan as "I’ve dedicated myself to exposing the atrocities committed against my people by the states that occupy our homeland. Through Paank, I help document the enforced disappearances, killings, and abuses that our people face daily, and I use every platform I can to spread awareness. I’m not just a voice; I’m a son of this struggle, carrying the pain and hope of my nation in everything I do."

 

'FIGHT FOR OUR RIGHT TO EXIST'

 

Stating that they are struggling to survive as a people, Baloch said, "The Baloch people are facing a slow genocide, our homes are burned, our voices silenced, and our youth abducted or killed by Pakistani and Iranian forces. At Paank, our struggle is to shine a light on these crimes and demand justice. We’re not just resisting with words; we’re building a movement to hold these oppressive state accountable. It’s a fight for our right to exist as a nation, to live free from fear, and to reclaim our dignity."

 

'A WOUND INFLICTED BY COLONIAL BORDERS' 

 

Emphasising that the protests were part of their struggle against the erasure of their identity, Jamal Baloch described the division of Baloch people between Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan as "a wound inflicted by colonial borders". Noting that this wound did not break the spirit of resistance, Jamal Baloch stated that as the Baloch National Movement, they reflect the experiences of the Baloch people, and that in addition to documenting violations, they make media posts, speeches and meetings where Baloch people come together. Baloch said, "Our gatherings, like the Baloch National Gathering in Gwadar, are about bringing our scattered voices into one roar. Unity isn’t just a dream; it’s our strength."

 

Stating that there is oppression in all three regions where Balochs live, Baloch said, "The oppression is real, Pakistan burns our villages, Iran hangs our youth. We fight back by keeping our identity alive. At Paank, we’re raising awareness through monthly reports that detail every disappearance, every killing, so the world can’t ignore us. I use media to amplify these stories, to keep our language and culture in the spotlight. We organize events, protests, seminars, campaigns, to educate our youth about our history and tongue, Balochi, which they try to erase from schools. Every time we speak out, we’re planting seeds of resistance against assimilation. Our culture isn’t just something to protect; it’s our weapon against their attempts to wipe us out."

 

'OUR POLICY IS TRUTH AND RESISTANCE'

 

Stating that they want the looting, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in their country to stop, Baloch emphasised that they also want to govern themselves. Baloch said, "Our demands are simple: stop the enforced disappearances, the extrajudicial killings, and the looting of our resources. We want control over our land and lives, full independence, many of us dream of a free Balochistan. At Paank, our policy is truth and resistance. We investigate, document, and expose the crimes against us, pushing for international pressure on Pakistan. We support peaceful protests, like those led by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, but we also stand with our people’s right to resist. Justice is our roadmap, until it’s served, we won’t stop."

 

'THE KURD STRUGGLE IS A FIRE THAT LIGHTS OUR WAY'

 

Commenting on the Kurdish struggle as a mirror of their own struggle, Baloch stated that the establishment of a system led by women in North and East Syria was "incredible". Baloch said: "What they’ve done in Northern and Eastern Syria is incredible, especially the women leading that revolution. It’s a fire that lights up our own path. Here, women like Mahrang Baloch are doing the same, leading marches, facing teargas, uniting us against Pakistan’s tyranny. Seeing Kurdish women rise gives me hope, absolutely. It shows that even under the heaviest chains, our spirits can break free. Their gains prove that unity and courage can shake empires, we’re watching and learning."

 

Emphasising that an extraordinary life has been built in North and East Syria despite the attacks, Baloch said: "Their women’s revolution, their defiance against Turkey and others, it’s a lesson in resilience. We hear about it through global news, activist networks, and the Baloch diaspora. It’s not just information; it’s inspiration. We’re fighting our own battles, but their example pushes us to dream bigger."

 

Lastly Baloch added, "To my Kurdish brothers and sisters in Northern and Eastern Syria: Your resistance is a beacon for us all. You’ve shown the world what it means to stand tall against oppression, to build hope from the ashes. We Baloch are with you in spirit, our fights are different but the same, our hearts beat for the same freedom. Keep pushing; your victories lift us too. Let’s hold on to this truth: no force can crush a people who refuse to bow. Stay strong, and know that across the mountains and deserts, we’re cheering for you as we fight for ourselves."