Say Their Names: The Vanished Children of Balochistan

A poem for the disappeared children of Balochistan — and the mothers who still wait for justice. In the dust-veiled valleys of the southwest,the wind carries names —soft, trembling syllables of kidswho once chased kites through the saffron dusk.Now, only echoes remain. One by one, they were taken —not by storms or fever,but by the … Continue reading Say Their Names: The Vanished Children of Balochistan

Women, War, and Misogyny in Baloch Politics

I recently attended a seminar in Hannover, Germany, on the eve of Baloch Martyrs Day, organized by the Baloch National Movement. The event gathered international activists, including Kurds, alongside prominent Baloch political figures.Among the speakers was a well-known figure in Balochi literature and Baloch politics. During his speech, he made a statement that, despite his … Continue reading Women, War, and Misogyny in Baloch Politics

In the realm of dreams…

In the realm of dreams, where shadows roamBramsh slumbers deep, in a world her ownA spectral call, a voice so dearAwakens her soul, dispelling fear"Bramsh!... Bramsh Páda!" the mother criesIn the mystic realm where dreamland liesEyes unfold, a question posed"Mom, where have you been?" the mystery exposedTo wake a nation from its slumberThe mother's mission, … Continue reading In the realm of dreams…

Staged Encounters

While the US “war on terror” in Afghanistan and areas bordering Pakistan occupied the focus of millions in the western world, the simmering conflict in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh; particularly Karachi, and its disastrous effects on the civilian population evade the radar of popular media because of the imposed media-censorship in the country. There … Continue reading Staged Encounters

Bramsh’s Dream

The following is a naïve attempt to translate a Balochi emotional piece by young writer, photographer, and narrator Husna Ishaq. ————————————————————— Bramsh’s asleep. In her sleep, her mother appears and wakes her up by saying:Bramsh!….Bramsh Páda! (Wake up!) Bramsh opens her eyes and say: “Mom! Where have you been? Mother replies: to wake a sleeping … Continue reading Bramsh’s Dream

Death Squad pumps bullet in 4-yr old Bramsh, kills her mother. Does the world even care?

Widespread deaths and killings in Balochistan have become normal. There’s hardly any discussion about the deaths in Balochistan. But on May 26, something, rather unusual, happened even in the context of Balochistan that sent shock waves throughout the population of Makran. Disturbing news of a woman’s violent death and her 4-year old daughter’s injury emerged … Continue reading Death Squad pumps bullet in 4-yr old Bramsh, kills her mother. Does the world even care?