Martyr Banuk Karima Baloch; The Leader of Generations

Banuk Karima Baloch was one of the first revolutionary women who fought against the Pakistani military occupation of Balochistan until her last breath. She was born in Dubai, she later returned to Balochistan where she came to the painful realization of the slavery and occupation imposed by the Pakistani state. This awareness sparked her resistance, and she became a tireless fighter for the liberation of her homeland. Her political journey began in 2006 with the Baloch Students Organization (BSO). In 2008, she became the Junior Vice Chairperson of BSO-Azad. By 2012, she had ascended to the position of Vice Chairperson, and in 2015, after completing a decade in the student political movement, she was elected as the Central Chairperson of BSO-Azad during the Central Council Session.

Throughout her struggle, Banuk Karima dedicated herself to educating and politicizing the Baloch nation against the Pakistani occupation of Balochistan. She faced harassment, torture, and constant threats, but she never wavered in her commitment to the cause. Through countless protests, gatherings, educational circles, hunger strikes, and sit-ins against the Pakistani military’s barbarism, she not only educated the Baloch people but also raised awareness globally about the occupation of Balochistan.

At the end of 2015, the organization decided that Banuk Karima should go to Canada to further mobilize the international community and garner support for the Baloch struggle. In 2020, she became a member of the Baloch National Movement (BNM). Tragically, on December 20, 2020, Pakistani agencies assassinated her in Canada. Her body was discovered the next day on an island in Toronto. She was eventually brought back to her native land in Tump, where she was laid to rest.

The Legacy of Lumma-e-Watan

Banuk Karima Baloch’s courage and tireless resistance against the Pakistani state and its occupation of Balochistan have made her an iconic figure in global history. In recognition of her unparalleled contributions, the Baloch Students Organization (BSO-Azad) honored her with the title “Lumma-e-Watan” which means “Mother of the Homeland.” Although, many other Baloch women have fought strongly against the Pakistani occupation, Banuk Karima’s role stands out as paramount. Her leadership and sacrifice fuel the strength and resilience of the Baloch spirit. By bestowing her with the title of “Lumma-e-Watan”, the BSO has recognized her as the Mother of Balochistan. This legacy serves as a call to the women of Balochistan, encouraging them to follow in her footsteps and continue the struggle for freedom or independence for their homeland.

The Significance of Baloch Women’s Day

Baloch Women’s Day is a day of reflection, recognition, and empowerment. It is a day to honor the immense contributions of Baloch women like Banuk Karima Baloch, who have fought with unparalleled courage, resilience, and unwavering determination in the face of oppression. This day serves not only as a tribute to the sacrifices made by Baloch women but also as a powerful reminder that the struggle for Balochistan’s freedom cannot be achieved without the active participation, leadership, and solidarity of women. Her legacy will inspire further generations of Baloch women to rise and continue the fight for a free and independent Balochistan.

However, it is crucial to understand that this day is not for mourning but it is a day for a renewed commitment, a day to take an oath that we, the Baloch nation, will never surrender to Pakistani occupation. We will never bow to oppression, occupation or tyranny. On this day, we pledge that we will fight by every means at our disposal to crush the Pakistani state’s illegal occupation of our homeland. Baloch Women’s Day is not only a commemoration but a call to arms and a declaration that our struggle will continue, and no force will deter us from achieving the freedom and sovereignty of Balochistan. Today, as we honor the sacrifice of our martyrs and our mothers, daughters, and sisters who have stood with unyielding courage, we affirm that we will not stop until Balochistan is free. Every act of resistance, every protest, every word spoken in defiance of the oppressor, and every life lost will fuel the fire of our resistance until the day Balochistan is liberated. This is the day to rise, to renew our pledge, and to promise that the struggle for a free and independent Balochistan will never cease. It is a day for action, not just words. Let the world hear our resolve that the Baloch nation will never surrender against Pakistani forceful occupation

Conclusion; A Call to Action for the Baloch Nation

Banuk Karima’s sacrifice represents the struggle and strength of the entire Baloch nation. Her story is not just one of sorrow but of resistance and resilience and a beacon of hope for every Baloch man and woman who believes in the sovereignty of Balochistan. As we honor her memory, it is our collective responsibility to continue the fight she took part. The struggle for a free and independent Balochistan depends on the unity, strength, and courage of every Baloch, especially the women, who have always been the backbone of our resistance.