The Baloch American Congress has urged Washington to investigate reports that more than 30 civilians were killed in Pakistani airstrikes in Surab….reports Asian Lite News Desk
The president of the Baloch American Congress, Tara Chand, has urged US President Donald Trump to intervene over reported Pakistani airstrikes in Balochistan’s Surab district that allegedly killed more than 30 civilians, including women and children.
In a letter to Trump, Chand called for an urgent investigation into the reported August 12 strikes and asked the US administration to determine whether American-made aircraft, weapons, drones, technology or other military equipment were involved.
“We respectfully urge your administration to investigate these serious allegations and determine whether any US-origin aircraft, weapons, drones, technology, components, or other military equipment were used in the reported operation,” Chand wrote.
On behalf of the Baloch community, he also called for an independent investigation into the reported civilian deaths and urged Washington to conduct appropriate end-use and compliance reviews of US defence equipment supplied to Pakistan.
Chand further asked the US to support accountability for any violations of American law, arms-transfer conditions or international humanitarian law. He said US military assistance or transfers should be reviewed if credible evidence establishes that American-origin equipment was used against civilians.
“Mr. President, a Baloch child’s life is as precious as the life of any child anywhere in the world. We are not asking the United States to prejudge the evidence—we are asking your Administration to establish the truth, protect civilians, and ensure accountability. We would welcome the opportunity to provide available documentation and meet with appropriate US officials regarding this urgent matter,” the letter said.
The reported incident took place in the early hours of August 12 in the Gidar area of Surab, where Pakistani military aircraft allegedly carried out bombardment in residential areas. According to Baloch activists, the strikes caused civilian casualties and significant damage to homes and other property.
The allegations have been disputed by Pakistan’s military authorities.
Several Baloch activists and rights groups last week rejected a statement from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media and public relations wing of the armed forces, describing its account of the incident as false.
The criticism followed remarks by ISPR Director General who attributed the incident to the premature detonation of a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) allegedly linked to a militant group.
Baloch human rights defender Mir Yar Baloch criticised the military’s account in a post on X, accusing ISPR of repeatedly issuing what he described as misleading statements about controversial military operations.
“The Surab massacre was a planned act of collective punishment, and local residents of Surab stand as witnesses to the fact that the Pakistan Air Force deliberately targeted a civilian population under the cover of darkness, severely affecting an entire village and leaving its residents to bear the devastating consequences,” he said.
Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ), a human rights organisation, also rejected the military’s explanation and accused ISPR of attempting to create a narrative that contradicted accounts from the area.
The organisation alleged that the official statement sought to obscure what it described as ongoing violations by Pakistani forces in Balochistan.
The latest allegations come amid continuing tensions in Balochistan, where separatist militancy and counter-insurgency operations have persisted for years.
Chand’s appeal to Washington places particular emphasis on the possible use of US-origin defence equipment and the obligations attached to American military transfers.
He urged the US administration not to prejudge the allegations but to establish the facts through an independent process and take action if evidence confirms violations.
The Baloch American Congress said it was prepared to provide documentation and engage with US officials as Washington considers the claims surrounding the reported Surab strikes.
