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| Baloch Society Of North America (BSO_NA) Baloch Society Of North America (BSO_NA) is Non-Profit Organization, working to unite and Organize all Baloch in North America, to expose the Occupation of our land (Balochistan) and exploitations of our resources by Pakistani and Iranian Governments, and to bring their Human Rights Violations in Balochistan into the world’s Notice. |
and ethnic cleansing in Balochistan have joined hands with the Baloch living
in the United States to launch the "American Friends of Balochistan" (AFOB).
The stated goal of the new organization is to create awareness of the need of a safe, independent, and secular
peaceful Balochistan in southwest Asia . The organization will advocate for the establishment of an independent
and impartial War Crimes Tribunal to try individuals responsible for crimes against the Baloch people.
The organization will be headed by Bob Selle, contributing Editor of the World & I, a publication of the Washington
Times Corporation. Dr Wahid Baloch, a prominent Baloch activist, would be the general secretary of the American
Friends of Balochistan.
The new organization comes in the wake of the August 26 killing of former governor and chief minister of
Balochistan, Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, the highest elected official to be killed by the Pakistan Army. Since March 27,
1948 when Balochistan was forcibly annexed by Pakistan, many top Baloch leaders, including Baloch ruler Khan of
Kalat Mir Ahmedyar Khan and Chief of Jhalawan Nawab Nauroz Khan were arrested and humiliated by the Pakistan
Army. Thousands of Baloch freedom fighters and more than 3000 Pakistan soldiers have been killed in five army
operations to crush the Baloch resistance movement.
The thee-member advisory board, along with the chairman and general secretary, will help the day to day running
organizations with the membership drive and public outreach. The advisory board members are Brother Irving
Sylvia, Mir Maqbool Aliani and Ahmar Mustikhan.
The organization will focus on all occupied Baloch territories, specifically Pakistan and Iran and one of its main
aims is to help the world end the nuclear programs of both Pakistan and Iran. "Nuclear testing on the soil of
Balochistan is a common practice by both Iran and Pakistan," the new organization notes.
The organization's mission statement is "Unite Americans and Baloch living in the U.S. into a non profit volunteer
based organization, the goal of which is to create awareness of the need of a safe, independent, and secular
peaceful Balochistan in southwest Asia."
Baloch in Pakistan and Iran fear they will lose their national identity if Pakistan and Iran's militaristic ambitions go
unchecked.
The American Friends of Balochistan goals and programs would be:
1. Provide a continuous flow of information to the U.S. Government, public, and non profit institutions about the
situation in Balochistan which is occupied as a colonial possession of Pakistan and Iran. Promote Baloch visitors
to the United States to speak before public organizations with the intent of building support among existing non
profit organizations that would take Baloch under their wings.
2- Monitor and highlight the human rights conditions of the Baloch in Iran and Pakistan. Interface with existing
human rights organizations who rarely consider Balochistan so as the help break the silence that facilitates
impunity for those who kill and torture. Help Baloch opposition groups that are targets of victimization by Pakistani
and Iranian state forces.
3. Advocate for the establishment of an independent and impartial War Crimes Tribunal to try individuals
responsible for crimes against the Baloch people. Network with existing organizations that might address
legal aspects of evidence and procedures that war crimes tribunals require to participate.
3- Help end the nuclear programs of both Pakistan and Iran. Nuclear testing on the soil of Balochistan is a
common practice by both Iran and Pakistan. At the least, the Chagai test range should be opened for
international inspections. But inspections should not diminish the goal of making the entire region a nuclear free
area.
4- Counter the state-sponsored trend of promoting Talibanization and fanaticism in Balochistan by government of
Pakistan. The alternative to Pakistan's machinations can only come from an informed and involved western
influence. Sadly, most Baloch feel that the western world does not appreciate their community, human rights and
culture of civility that is most closely related to modern western world values. VOA and other media need to
communicate with Baloch to help rectify this misconception.
5- Find peaceful but effective ways to help Baloch resist Pakistani army expansion (cantonments) on Balochistan
soil. Advocate the immediate withdrawal of all Pakistani and Iranian army personnel from
Baloch soil. This might be considered as a counterpart of what the United States did, very successfully, for the
Kurds prior to the overthrow of Saddam Hussein.
6- Through public media, such as the VOA, sponsor programs that emphasize the age-old Baloch traditions of
respect for all great religious traditions of the world, especially Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism and sufi
Islam.
in the United States to launch the "American Friends of Balochistan" (AFOB).
The stated goal of the new organization is to create awareness of the need of a safe, independent, and secular
peaceful Balochistan in southwest Asia . The organization will advocate for the establishment of an independent
and impartial War Crimes Tribunal to try individuals responsible for crimes against the Baloch people.
The organization will be headed by Bob Selle, contributing Editor of the World & I, a publication of the Washington
Times Corporation. Dr Wahid Baloch, a prominent Baloch activist, would be the general secretary of the American
Friends of Balochistan.
The new organization comes in the wake of the August 26 killing of former governor and chief minister of
Balochistan, Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, the highest elected official to be killed by the Pakistan Army. Since March 27,
1948 when Balochistan was forcibly annexed by Pakistan, many top Baloch leaders, including Baloch ruler Khan of
Kalat Mir Ahmedyar Khan and Chief of Jhalawan Nawab Nauroz Khan were arrested and humiliated by the Pakistan
Army. Thousands of Baloch freedom fighters and more than 3000 Pakistan soldiers have been killed in five army
operations to crush the Baloch resistance movement.
The thee-member advisory board, along with the chairman and general secretary, will help the day to day running
organizations with the membership drive and public outreach. The advisory board members are Brother Irving
Sylvia, Mir Maqbool Aliani and Ahmar Mustikhan.
The organization will focus on all occupied Baloch territories, specifically Pakistan and Iran and one of its main
aims is to help the world end the nuclear programs of both Pakistan and Iran. "Nuclear testing on the soil of
Balochistan is a common practice by both Iran and Pakistan," the new organization notes.
The organization's mission statement is "Unite Americans and Baloch living in the U.S. into a non profit volunteer
based organization, the goal of which is to create awareness of the need of a safe, independent, and secular
peaceful Balochistan in southwest Asia."
Baloch in Pakistan and Iran fear they will lose their national identity if Pakistan and Iran's militaristic ambitions go
unchecked.
The American Friends of Balochistan goals and programs would be:
1. Provide a continuous flow of information to the U.S. Government, public, and non profit institutions about the
situation in Balochistan which is occupied as a colonial possession of Pakistan and Iran. Promote Baloch visitors
to the United States to speak before public organizations with the intent of building support among existing non
profit organizations that would take Baloch under their wings.
2- Monitor and highlight the human rights conditions of the Baloch in Iran and Pakistan. Interface with existing
human rights organizations who rarely consider Balochistan so as the help break the silence that facilitates
impunity for those who kill and torture. Help Baloch opposition groups that are targets of victimization by Pakistani
and Iranian state forces.
3. Advocate for the establishment of an independent and impartial War Crimes Tribunal to try individuals
responsible for crimes against the Baloch people. Network with existing organizations that might address
legal aspects of evidence and procedures that war crimes tribunals require to participate.
3- Help end the nuclear programs of both Pakistan and Iran. Nuclear testing on the soil of Balochistan is a
common practice by both Iran and Pakistan. At the least, the Chagai test range should be opened for
international inspections. But inspections should not diminish the goal of making the entire region a nuclear free
area.
4- Counter the state-sponsored trend of promoting Talibanization and fanaticism in Balochistan by government of
Pakistan. The alternative to Pakistan's machinations can only come from an informed and involved western
influence. Sadly, most Baloch feel that the western world does not appreciate their community, human rights and
culture of civility that is most closely related to modern western world values. VOA and other media need to
communicate with Baloch to help rectify this misconception.
5- Find peaceful but effective ways to help Baloch resist Pakistani army expansion (cantonments) on Balochistan
soil. Advocate the immediate withdrawal of all Pakistani and Iranian army personnel from
Baloch soil. This might be considered as a counterpart of what the United States did, very successfully, for the
Kurds prior to the overthrow of Saddam Hussein.
6- Through public media, such as the VOA, sponsor programs that emphasize the age-old Baloch traditions of
respect for all great religious traditions of the world, especially Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism and sufi
Islam.
Americans to Help
Baloch End Tragedy
Press Release
WASHINGTON DC --- Americans concerned over the ongoing genocide
Baloch End Tragedy
Press Release
WASHINGTON DC --- Americans concerned over the ongoing genocide
In 2002, Maqbool testified at Capital Hill before the Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, Export Financing and
Related Programs and the House Committee on Appropriations.
Maqbool Aliani received his Master’s in Electrical Engineering from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.
He then went on to pursue a doctorate in Information Technology while working as a research staff at The
Institute of Public Policy at George Mason University. At the institute, he worked on several defense related
projects such as designing and evaluating Wireless Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (I.E.T.M.) and
maintenance system for the U.S. Marine Corps. He also assisted Defense Information System Agency (D.I.S.A.)
with internet and multi-media tools.
Later on, Maqbool worked 8 years in the wireless industry as a Senior Manager with Nextel Communications
where he received several achievement awards. Currently, he is serving as Director of Wireless Strategy and
Technology at Current Communications based in Germantown, Maryland. Maqbool' family is well-known in
Lasbela district of Balochistan as his ancestors once ruled over the area.
Related Programs and the House Committee on Appropriations.
Maqbool Aliani received his Master’s in Electrical Engineering from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.
He then went on to pursue a doctorate in Information Technology while working as a research staff at The
Institute of Public Policy at George Mason University. At the institute, he worked on several defense related
projects such as designing and evaluating Wireless Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (I.E.T.M.) and
maintenance system for the U.S. Marine Corps. He also assisted Defense Information System Agency (D.I.S.A.)
with internet and multi-media tools.
Later on, Maqbool worked 8 years in the wireless industry as a Senior Manager with Nextel Communications
where he received several achievement awards. Currently, he is serving as Director of Wireless Strategy and
Technology at Current Communications based in Germantown, Maryland. Maqbool' family is well-known in
Lasbela district of Balochistan as his ancestors once ruled over the area.
About the chairman, general secretary and advisory board members:
, President, has been a newspaper and magazine journalist for 24
years. Most recently, he has been editor of The World & I Online, a monthly e-zine
that focuses on current issues, world cultures, the arts, and the sciences. He is
also editor of The Africa Dispatch, a newsletter that presents positive news about
Africa. He has been a current issues editor for The World & I, a monthly print
magazine; a Special Sections editor for The Washington Times daily newspaper;
and managing editor of the New York City Tribune, once a daily based in
Manhattan. He and his wife Angelika have four children (3 sons and a daughter)
and live in Bowie, Maryland, just outside Washington, DC, where he continues to
edit and write.
, President, has been a newspaper and magazine journalist for 24
years. Most recently, he has been editor of The World & I Online, a monthly e-zine
that focuses on current issues, world cultures, the arts, and the sciences. He is
also editor of The Africa Dispatch, a newsletter that presents positive news about
Africa. He has been a current issues editor for The World & I, a monthly print
magazine; a Special Sections editor for The Washington Times daily newspaper;
and managing editor of the New York City Tribune, once a daily based in
Manhattan. He and his wife Angelika have four children (3 sons and a daughter)
and live in Bowie, Maryland, just outside Washington, DC, where he continues to
edit and write.
| Robert R. Selle, President |
| Dr. Wahid Baloch, General Secretary |
, General Secretary, is also the founder of the BSO-NA (Baloch
Society of North America) one of the first Baloch human rights organization in
North America. He hails from the coastal Makran division in Balochistan. He
graduated in medicine from Bolan Medical College, Quetta in 1990 and
immigrated to the USA in 1992. He is a US citizen, working at the Mayo Clinic in
Florida. Dr Baloch is in constant touch with the Baloch Diaspora in and outside
both Pakistani and Iranian-occupied Balochistan, North America and Europe. He
was earlier active in the Baloch nationalist movement from the platform of the
Baloch Students Organization.
Advisory Board members:
1- , 46, is founder of the World Baloch Jewish Alliance. A
professional journalist, he now works for a local newspaper in Maryland. Local
people have nicknamed him "Genghis Khan" as they say his pen is as sharp as
the sword of the Asian warrior. In his career, spanning more than 16 years, he
has won two journalism fellowships, one at the Freedom Forum Diversity
Institute, Vanderbilt University, in Nashville, Tenn., and an earlier fellowship of
the Society of Environmental Journalists. Before escaping to U.S. safety in the fall
of 2000, as an online journalist, he was writing for nearly two dozen international
publications, including ABCNEWS.com; The World & I, affiliated with The
| Ahmar Mustikhan, Board Member |
Washington Times corporation; Environment News Service, Hawaii; The New Internationalist, London; Gemini
News Service, London; and Inter Press Service,Italy; The Week, Cochin, India; and Mid-Day, Mumbai, India;
besides being a political commentator for Radio Singapore International. He was for a year Academic Editor at
the Oxford University Press, Karachi Pakistan.
Mustikhan was born in Rangoon, Burma, to a leading Baloch business family. Fond of playing chess, travelling
and making friends, he is a firm believer in inter-faith reconciliation.
News Service, London; and Inter Press Service,Italy; The Week, Cochin, India; and Mid-Day, Mumbai, India;
besides being a political commentator for Radio Singapore International. He was for a year Academic Editor at
the Oxford University Press, Karachi Pakistan.
Mustikhan was born in Rangoon, Burma, to a leading Baloch business family. Fond of playing chess, travelling
and making friends, he is a firm believer in inter-faith reconciliation.
2- Brother Irving Sylvia, 80, calls himself an uncle of the Baloch. He
first learned about the Baloch people in 1943, while he was a student at
university in Seattle, USA. "My heart strangely warmed toward them," he
recalls. He read as much as he could about Baloch culture, literature
and history and says he was impressed by their traditions of loyalty and
hospitality as well as their courage. "I was also saddened to learn of
the injustice and oppression they had suffered," Brother Sylvia said. "I
determined that I would do whatever I could to benefit them."
first learned about the Baloch people in 1943, while he was a student at
university in Seattle, USA. "My heart strangely warmed toward them," he
recalls. He read as much as he could about Baloch culture, literature
and history and says he was impressed by their traditions of loyalty and
hospitality as well as their courage. "I was also saddened to learn of
the injustice and oppression they had suffered," Brother Sylvia said. "I
determined that I would do whatever I could to benefit them."
In 1947, he along with his young wife and baby daughter arrived in Pakistan during the difficult days of Partition.
"Early in 1948 we came to live in Quetta and made friends with many Baloch," he recalls. The family spent
about two years there learning the language and visiting villages. Upon return to the USA, he obtained an
advanced degree in the teaching of English, and began a career of teaching in universities in Turkey, Iran and
the U.A.E.. While teaching at the University of the U.A.E., he was helped by several Baloch young men to
translate the New Testament into Balochi. In 1989, Brother Sylvia was welcomed as a Visiting Research
Scholar to the University of Balochistan and continued his research into Balochi language and literature under
the mentor ship of Professor Abdullah Jan Jamaldini. "In 1991, I was able to publish the New Testament in the
Balochi language for the first time,"Brother Sylvia said. He taught English at colleges in California, USA from
1991 to 2001 at which time he retired, and is now living with his wife in a retirement community. In 1995, he
was able to visit Balochistan for a short period and visited many of his Baloch friends in Panjgur, Turbat and
Pasni. "Although I am now advanced in age, I am ready to serve the Baloch people in any way I can and support
the Baloch struggle for freedom and justice," Brother Irving Sylvia said.
"Early in 1948 we came to live in Quetta and made friends with many Baloch," he recalls. The family spent
about two years there learning the language and visiting villages. Upon return to the USA, he obtained an
advanced degree in the teaching of English, and began a career of teaching in universities in Turkey, Iran and
the U.A.E.. While teaching at the University of the U.A.E., he was helped by several Baloch young men to
translate the New Testament into Balochi. In 1989, Brother Sylvia was welcomed as a Visiting Research
Scholar to the University of Balochistan and continued his research into Balochi language and literature under
the mentor ship of Professor Abdullah Jan Jamaldini. "In 1991, I was able to publish the New Testament in the
Balochi language for the first time,"Brother Sylvia said. He taught English at colleges in California, USA from
1991 to 2001 at which time he retired, and is now living with his wife in a retirement community. In 1995, he
was able to visit Balochistan for a short period and visited many of his Baloch friends in Panjgur, Turbat and
Pasni. "Although I am now advanced in age, I am ready to serve the Baloch people in any way I can and support
the Baloch struggle for freedom and justice," Brother Irving Sylvia said.
2- is currently a board member of the Washington, DC
based World Sindhi Institute (W.S.I.) and World Baloch Jewish Alliance.
He resides in Fairfax, Virginia. He has been active in advocating human
and democratic rights for the people of Sindh and Balochistan. Maqbool
is a strong critic of Pakistan’s military establishment and their Jihadist
cronies. He is a strong supporter of a secular democratic Sindh and
Balochistan.