Symbolic Film Sheds Light Upon Enforced Disappearances And Killings In Balochistan
Picture@The Line of Freedom
‘The Line of Freedom’ is a short film based on the story of Nasir and Gul Baloch, who were abducted by Pakistani Security Forces in May 2011. Produced by brothers Noordin and Bhawal Mengal and directed by David Whitney, the film sheds light upon the horrendous practice of enforced disappearances and killings of ethnic Baloch, which continue to take place in Balochistan (south-western Pakistan). The storyline is symbolic of the fate of thousands of Baloch over the past years.
Click here to watch ‘The Line of Freedom’.
(in case of difficulty accessing the official website, click here for an alternative version)
For the film's technical details, please see here.
Background information on the situation in Balochistan:
After the British Empire withdrew from the Indian subcontinent in 1947, the region was divided into two new states: India and Pakistan. In this context, the autonomous and mineral rich region of Balochistan also declared its independence, but was occupied by Pakistan a year later.
Ever since, the Pakistani army has brutally suppressed any call for autonomy by the Baloch people, resorting to what Amnesty International calls the ‘kill and dump’ policy, whereby ethnic Baloch are abducted and killed. Their bodies are eventually dumped, often far from the location where they initially disappeared.
Since 2003, thousands of ethnic Baloch have been abducted by the Pakistani military in Balochistan, the majority being students, human rights activists, doctors, journalists, teachers, musicians and lawyers. Today more than 10 000 are still missing.
For further information, see UNPO's report 'What Future for Balochistan? Global and Regional Challenges'
