Karachi-based Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) joins ranks with the Baloch political parties

Upping the ante on the Imran Khan government, Karachi-based Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has joined ranks with the Baloch political parties for the first time and announced that it will observe black day in solidarity with 'pro-freedom' Baloch parties on March 27.
“Pakistan occupied Balochistan on this day, and has ever since, been exploiting and plundering its resources, including gas, gold and other precious resources,” read the press release issued by MQM’s international secretariat in London.
“Altaf Hussain was and will continue to be a voice against injustice and exploitation perpetrated against people of Balochistan by Paksitani state,” the press release stated.

MQM founder and leader Altaf Hussain also issued a directive to observe March 27 as black day and organise protest marches, ET has learnt.

MQM’s faction led by Altaf Hussain also called for self-determination for the Muhajirs, claiming the community has suffered at the hands of Pakistani state for decades.

March 27 is observed as a black day by Baloch political parties to commemorate the day in 1948, when Balochistan was ‘forcibly annexed’ by Pakistan, according to Baloch activists.

"Balochistan’s strategic location is very important as it acts as a link between three regions -- Central Asia, Middle East and South Asia. In addition, the port of Gwadar is situated near the Strait of Hormuz, which is a choke-point through which 20% of the world’s oil trade passes. In the 21st century, ports play an essential role from the defence point of view for any country. Pakistan without Balochistan and the sea from the Sindh, is landlocked like Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan are.

“That is why Pakistan is collaborating with China to loot Baloch resources, and is gaining suzerainty of the Baloch land and sea in order to monitor the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean," according to a Baloch activist who did not wish to be named.

China has huge stakes in Balochistan as the CPEC connects Indian Ocean to China via Balochistan and the Beijing-funded Gwadar port is located in this province. Beijing has been at the receiving end of Baloch activists for promoting Pakistan’s agenda in the region.