Baloch in the United Kingdom

British Baloch
برطانوی بلوچ

Regions with significant populations
London, Manchester
Languages
British English, Balochi
Religion
Islam
Related ethnic groups
Baloch diaspora

Baloch in the United Kingdom(Balochi: برطانیہ ءِ تہا بلوچ ) or British Baloch(Balochi: برطانوی بلوچ ) refers to people of Baloch origin born in or residing in the United Kingdom or who have settled in the United Kingdom, as well as British residents and citizens of Baloch heritage.

Background

Baloch people first arrived in Britain in large numbers during the 1947s, mostly from the disputed territories of Balochistan(Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan).[1] Many Baloch people have settled in the UK as refugees or immigrants and seeking safety and better opportunities.

The Baloch community in the UK consists of individuals who have migrated primarily from Balochistan, a region spanning southwestern Pakistan and parts of Iran and Afghanistan. Estimates suggest that the Baloch population in London numbers in the thousands, although exact figures are not available.[2]

The majority of Baloch in Britain speak Balochi as their mother tongue.[3] Most British Baloch speak English, and those who were born in the UK consider British English to be their first language.[4]

Community

The Baloch community in the United Kingdom is a vibrant diaspora that has been actively involved in cultural, social, and political advocacy. Several organizations represent the Baloch community in the UK, including: Baloch Students and Youth Association (BSYA),[5] Baloch Cultural Society, Baloch Human Rights Council (UK), Baloch Republican Party, These groups focus on cultural preservation, education, and advocacy for human rights.[6]

The Baloch community has been vocal about human rights abuses occurring in Balochistan. Protests have been organized to condemn actions,[7] including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.[8] For example, protests took place in London, where community members gathered to raise awareness about the situation in Balochistan and call for international support against human rights violations.[9]

Some Baloch political leaders and political refugees are based in the UK.[10][11][12] In August 2023, the Baloch National Movement's UK chapter announced a protest against Pakistan's actions in Balochistan, highlighting issues such as violent repression of peaceful protests.[13]

• 
  Demonstration in support of the Baloch people (London) September 2023
• 
  Hyrbyair Marri speaking to media in London during a protest.
• 
  Fariba Baloch Human rights activist

The British Museum houses a collection of artifacts related to the Baloch people[14] and the region of Balochistan.[15] The museum features various Balochi culture and textiles made by Balochi artisans, such as balochi handicrafts, Balochi rug[16] , Balochi dress[17] and balochi needlework. The British Museum's collection includes items that represent the cultural heritage of the Baloch, contributing to a broader understanding of their history and social practices.[18] These items reflect the textile tradition of the Baloch people, showcasing intricate designs and craftsmanship.[19]

Notable people

• Mir Suleman Dawood Jan
• Fariba Balouch
• Arshad Khan Leghari
• Mehran Marri

See also

• Baloch diaspora
• Immigration to the United Kingdom

References

1. Kelly, Nataly (2012). Found in Translation: How Language Shapes Our Lives and Transforms the World. Penguin Books. p. 48. ISBN 9781101611920.
2. Department for Communities and Local Government. "Muslim Community in England" (PDF). Department for Communities and Local Government. pp. 5–11 (6), 36–41. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 September 2012. Retrieved 2 November 2010.
3. "Main language classifications: Census 2021". Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
4. "Ethnologue report for United Kingdom". Ethnologue.com. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
5. "Baloch diaspora protest in London, Amsterdam against Pak atrocities in Balochistan". ThePrint. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
6. "Balochistan: Important London Meeting For UK Baloch". Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization. 15 February 2013. Retrieved 1 June 2014.
7. Taheri, Ahmad Reza (2014). A Sociopolitical Study of Iranian Baloch Elites (1979-2013). p. 107. ISBN 9781312349681.
8. "London: Baloch Human Rights Council calls on United Kingdom MP about increase in enforced disappearances in Balochistan". Asian News International. Retrieved January 6, 2025.
9. "London: Baloch activist highlights Balochistan situation at UK conference, calls for global action". Asian News International. Retrieved January 6, 2025.
10. "Family intervention?: 'Khan of Kalat's son wants to bring back exiled father'". The Express Tribune. 1 April 2012. Retrieved 2 June 2014.
11. Shah, Murtaza Ali (10 July 2015). "Baloch leaders keep low profile in UK". The News. Retrieved 11 August 2015.
12. "Baloch diaspora protest in London, Amsterdam against Pak atrocities in Balochistan". ThePrint. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
13. "Baloch community organises protest in UK condemning Pakistan Army's". The Times of India. Retrieved January 6, 2025.
14. "Baluchi". British Museum.
15. "Baluchistan". British Museum.
16. "Large print guide". British Museum.
17. "dress". British Museum.
18. "HERITAGE: THE LOST TREASURES OF BALOCHISTAN". Retrieved January 6, 2025.
19. "bed-cover". British Museum.