Siddiq Baloch

Siddiq Baloch is a Pakistani journalist and senior political economist who specialized in the social and economic matters of Balochistan. He served as the Editor-in-chief for several publications, including the English daily Balochistan Express and the Urdu daily Azadi.

Early life and education

Baloch was born on 10 February 1940 in Chakiwara, a suburb located near Lyari in Karachi. He attended a local primary school within his neighborhood before pursuing higher studies. In 1959, he completed his Matriculation examination at the Sindh Madrasatul Islam School. He later joined SM College in 1961 and graduated from the institution in 1964.

His academic journey continued at the University of Karachi. He earned a master's degree in Economics in 1966. During his college years, he engaged deeply in student politics. He served as the President of the Students' Union at SM College from 1963 to 1964.

Career

Baloch began his professional journey in 1966 when he joined Dawn, which is Pakistan's oldest and most widely circulated newspaper. He worked as a sub-editor and held various other capacities at the paper for nearly 29 years. While at Dawn, he became a regular columnist. His expertise made him a frequent source for both Pakistani and international media regarding Balochistan.

His editorial leadership extended to several other titles. He acted as the Editor-in-chief of the English daily Balochistan Express in Quetta. He also led the English Weekly Express and published an Urdu newspaper titled Azadi. In January 2004, he released his book, A Critical Comment on the Political Economy of Balochistan, during a ceremony held by the literary organization Daira.

Political involvement defined much of his early adult life. He was an active member of the left-wing National Students Federation and participated in the Anti-One Unit movement. As a founding member of the Baloch Students Organization in 1962, he eventually rose to the position of senior vice president in 1966. He also maintained an affiliation with the National Awami Party. Between 1972 and 1973, he served as Press Secretary to the Governor of Balochistan, Ghous Bakhsh Bizenjo.

Following the dismissal of the NAP government by President Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Baloch faced significant hardship. He was imprisoned for five years due to allegations regarding the Hyderabad Conspiracy. He remained in jail until the government of Bhutto was overthrown by General Zia ul Haq. Later in his life, he accompanied Prime Minister Gillani on a three-day visit to Sri Lanka in August 2008.

Personal life

Baloch lived in Karachi for much of his early life. He migrated to Quetta, Balochistan, in 1990. Throughout his career, he remained a vocal advocate for freedom of expression. He frequently spoke against media bans and various forms of dictatorship.

When President Pervez Musharraf amended the PEMRA Ordinance in November 2007, Baloch expressed strong opposition. He told Weekly Pulse that the ordinance was an attempt to muffle the truth. He argued that such illegal steps were alien to the constitution. He praised the efforts of civil society members who raised their voices against these restrictions.

Awards and recognition

Baloch held several leadership positions within professional journalistic bodies. In 1981, he was elected as the President of the Karachi Union of Journalists. He served two terms in this capacity while participating in movements for freedom of expression. He also served as the President of the Balochistan Newspapers Editors Council. Additionally, he held the role of Vice-President at the Karachi Press Club and served as the Balochistan Vice President for the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors.