Listen to our SADF Podcast with Mehran Marri on Balochistan’s struggle for freedom — exploring its history, human rights abuses, diaspora activism, and what the future holds for this underreported conflict.
In this powerful episode, we dive deep into one of South Asia’s most underreported and complex struggles — the Balochistan independence movement. As tensions escalate in 2025, with symbolic declarations of independence and growing international attention, we explore the roots, realities, and repercussions of this decades-long conflict.
🔍 Topics Covered:
- The historical roots of Baloch nationalism
- Recent developments: declarations, protests, and viral symbols
- Human rights violations and enforced disappearances
- Pakistan’s narrative and media censorship
- The role of the Baloch diaspora and international response
- What the future holds for Balochistan
🎧 Guest: Mehran Marri, Balochistan’s Representative in UNHCR 🎤
Hosted by: Tapas Kanti Baul, South Asia Democratic Forum (SADF
Discover our Newsletter on First-hand accounts from minorities across South Asia — read here
Madalena Casaca
Madalena Casaca is SADF’s Editor and part-time Researcher for the Democracy Research Programme. Ms Casaca is a graduate in European Studies (graduated 2008) from the University of Lisbon, where she explored with high productivity not only European and Western Social Sciences but also African Studies, Russian Studies, and Anthropology. Ms Casaca also completed a yearly Documentary Programme in Prague in 2012/2013 and attended the Film School of the University of Wales in Newport in 2011/2012, where all the basics of visual communication were explored and developed. Less
A one-year investment was made in Moscow studying the Russian language, of which she holds the B2 degree. Madalena began a Master’s degree in World History at the Moscow State University, where she completed the first semester, receiving the highest marks in all courses. She had to return to Portugal for personal reasons and now raises her young daughters in Lisbon. She is transforming her Masters’ Diploma on World History into a non-academic book.