Baloch Martyrs’ Day: Honouring the Guardians of Freedom

Keegad Baloch 

“Freedom needs blood!” – a cry once chanted by Sangat Sana, epitomising the highest form of sacrifice in the struggle for liberty. Freedom, in its truest sense, is carved by the blood of those who placed the national cause above their own lives. Martyrdom is not merely the loss of life; it is a declaration of unwavering commitment, a testament to the ideals that outlive the individual. In this light, Balochistan stands proud as the motherland of countless heroes who gave everything for its survival and dignity. Throughout history, brave-hearted individuals have resisted colonial powers, sacrificing their lives to preserve the culture, language, and identity of Balochistan. Many of these martyrs remain unnamed and unrecognised, yet their sacrifices are immortalised in the consciousness of the nation. Martyrdom embodies not only courage but also the moral conviction to pursue the cause of an independent Balochistan, no matter the cost. As Nawab Akbar Bugti stated: “We Baloch people believe that the best way to die is to die fighting. We are the masters of our own destiny. And if that is taken away from us, then life doesn’t really matter.”

Since the forceful annexation of Balochistan, Pakistan’s oppressive measures have been met with the resolute will of Baloch martyrs. They endured torture, imprisonment, and even death rather than bow before injustice. As Qambar Chakar said, “In their torture cells, we must make the enemy believe that we will die but never relinquish our vision for the independence of our motherland.” Qambar’s own choice of martyrdom over surrender exemplifies the courage that continues to inspire new generations. The blood of these martyrs fuels the ongoing struggle, instilling hope and determination in the hearts of the Baloch people.

Each year, 13 November is observed as Baloch Martyrs’ Day, a day to honour those who sacrificed their lives for the survival of our culture, language, and homeland. That day holds a historical importance when on 13 November 1839, heroes like Mir Mehrab Khan, who alongside his companions stood firm against the British invasion, despite the overwhelming strength of the enemy. When friends advised him not to fight, he replied: “I may not defeat the enemy but I can die for my motherland.” His sacrifice stands for every Baloch martyr: they may no longer be physically present, but their cause lives on in every Baloch heart. To honour the sacrifices of Mir Mehrab Khan and his companions, in 2010, BSO-Azad officially designated 13 November as Baloch Martyrs’ Day. Banok Karima, in her message, stated: “The remembrance of one’s national martyrs gives stimulus to a living nation.” Indeed, a nation that honours its martyrs draws strength, pride, and unity from their sacrifices. This tradition resonates globally, as seen in India (30 January), Libya (16 September), and Palestine (7 January), where nations commemorate those who gave their lives for the freedom of their people. Similarly, in Balochistan, from Makran to Koh-e-Suleiman, every Baloch martyr represents a collective identity and unwavering unity. Their sacrifices remind us of the importance of our cultural values, the love of our land, and the responsibility to protect it. The legacy of martyrdom inspires resistance against oppression and the courage to stand firm in the face of colonial policies. They teach us that dying for one’s ideals is nobler than living a life of slavery where honour and dignity are compromised.

There remain many martyrs who remain unknown publicly, having devoted their lives silently to the cause. Countless individuals perished in torture cells, extrajudicial killings, or collateral damage during state operations. Their anonymity does not diminish their contribution; instead, it reinforces the purity of their dedication. Likewise, the phenomenon of fidayees, individuals who voluntarily embraced martyrdom, exemplifies the highest form of loyalty to the national cause. Beginning with Martyr Majeed Langove’s 1974 attack on Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, these acts have ignited enduring flames of commitment among the Baloch people. This has made the Baloch people believe that our movement for national liberation is of immense importance for the survival of our National identity. Our people and the families of martyrs embody courage and pride. Mothers like the mother of Fidayee Hammal Momin proudly proclaim: “My son is not only mine but belongs to the entire nation.” Even children of martyrs, like the daughter of Fidayee Shari, in a video message to the Nation, uphold the legacy of resilience, honouring their parents’ sacrifices and perpetuating the spirit of struggle. Entire families have sometimes dedicated themselves wholly to the cause, as seen in the sacrifice of martyr Saqib, Asim, and Tariq, who are three brothers and comrades, who bestowed their lives for the same cause. Whose mother proudly states “ For me, the most beautiful moment is when somebody calls me the mother of martyrs.”

These sacrifices are not only personal but national. Every Baloch who sheds blood for freedom becomes a pillar of the movement, inspiring others to continue the struggle. On Baloch Martyrs’ Day, we remember these heroes not merely to honour the past but to recommit ourselves to their mission – the achievement of an independent Balochistan.

Baloch Martyrs’ Day is a solemn reminder that freedom demands courage, resilience, and sacrifice. It is a day to honour those who have given their lives for the nation and to draw inspiration from their unwavering commitment. The martyrs of Balochistan are immortal, not because of their deaths, but because their ideals, bravery, and love for their motherland continue to shape the consciousness of every Baloch. In remembering them, we affirm our duty to preserve their legacy, safeguard our culture, and pursue the dream of a free and dignified Balochistan.

For the Baloch people, this remembrance carries a dual responsibility. First, it is a call to honour the legacy of those who fell before us—not just in words or ceremonies, but through actions that reflect the same courage and dedication. The martyrs laid down their lives so that the ideals of freedom, dignity, and cultural survival could flourish; it is now the duty of every Baloch to carry that vision forward. Second, it is a lesson in unity and perseverance. The martyrs did not fight for personal gain or recognition—they fought for their people, their land, and their identity. Their path reminds us that the struggle for an independent and dignified Balochistan is collective: it requires the solidarity of every individual, region, and family.

The Baloch struggle is also a call to the international community. It demonstrates that the fight for human rights and self-determination is not bound by borders or continents. The world must recognise the sacrifices of Baloch martyrs and understand that their struggle is part of the global narrative of oppressed nations seeking justice. By remembering the Baloch martyrs, the international community is reminded of the universal principles of freedom, equality, and the moral responsibility to defend the rights of all peoples. For the Baloch people themselves, following the path of the martyrs is not optional; it is essential. It requires learning from their courage, adopting their sense of duty, and committing to the protection of the land, culture, and identity that they fought for. It means being vigilant against oppression, resilient in the face of adversity, and unwavering in the pursuit of a future where every Baloch can live with dignity and freedom. In essence, the legacy of the martyrs is a living guide—an enduring map showing the way forward for every generation. Remembering them is more than a duty; it is a source of inspiration. Their lives teach that sacrifice is not the end, but the beginning of a movement that continues to grow with each passing day. Their courage fuels the hope that one day Balochistan will rise as a free, united, and dignified homeland, recognised and respected both within and beyond its borders. It is now the responsibility of every Baloch to keep their memory alive, to strengthen the bonds of unity, and to walk the path they laid, so that the dream for which they gave everything may finally be realised.