Siddiq Baloch (also spelled Siddique Baloch or Siddiq Balouch) (10 February 1940 – 5 February 2018) was a highly respected Pakistani journalist and political economist, best known for his fearless advocacy of press freedom and the rights of marginalized communities in Balochistan and Sindh.
Early Life & Education
-
Born on 10 February 1940 in the Chakiwara–Lyari area of Karachi.
-
Earned a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Karachi in 1966.
Journalism & Career
-
Joined Dawn in 1966 (or 1968 according to some sources), serving nearly three decades and contributing columns on politics and Balochistan’s economy.
-
In 1972, he resigned to become Press Secretary to Governor Mir Ghaus Bakhsh Bizenjo in Balochistan but was imprisoned during the crackdown on the National Awami Party, spending approximately 3½–4½ years in jail.
-
Returned to Dawn in 1977 as a senior reporter, staying until 1989.
Publications & Editorial Leadership
-
Launched Sindh Express in 1989 with Nasir Brohi; the venture ended in 1991 due to economic difficulties.
-
Moved to Quetta in 1990–92, founded the English daily Balochistan Express (1990) and later the Urdu daily Azadi (2000).
-
Also helmed the English Weekly Express, cementing his role as a leading voice in both languages.
Advocacy & Influence
-
A vocal critic of dictatorship and media restrictions—including those enforced by PEMRA under Musharraf—he championed freedom of expression and the welfare of journalists.
-
Held leadership roles: President of Karachi Union of Journalists, executive committee member of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, and Vice-President of Karachi Press Club.
-
Authored “Political Economy of Balochistan,” reflecting his deep knowledge of the region’s socio-economic dynamics. balochistanvoices.com
Principles & Status
-
Known as a “torch bearer” for voiceless communities—especially in impoverished and conflict-ridden Balochistan—persistently writing editorials until his final days. krui.fm
-
Referred to affectionately as “Lala” or “Mama”, admired for his integrity, wit, and unwavering courage—even staging a famed protest over office conditions at Dawn.
Final Days & Death
-
Diagnosed with cancer circa 2014; continued writing despite treatment in China and India.
-
Wrote his last editorial on 23 January 2018, advocating for Baloch and Pashtun students.
-
Passed away on 5 February 2018 in Karachi at age 77; laid to rest at Mewa Shah Cemetery after funeral prayers at Chakiwara Eidgah.
Legacy
-
Celebrated as a symbol of resistance, Siddiq Baloch’s contributions include creating platforms like Balochistan Express and Azadi, which amplifed voices often ignored by mainstream media.
-
His profound understanding of the political and economic fabric of Balochistan made him a key authority on its issues.
In summary, Siddiq Baloch’s storied career—marked by editorial rigor, courage under adversity, and unwavering commitment to justice—ensured that underrepresented and oppressed communities in Pakistan’s southwestern provinces found a powerful voice.
Personal Background
-
Born: February 10, 1940, in Lyari, Karachi.
-
Died: February 5, 2018, in Karachi (aged 77).
-
Education: Master’s in Economics from the University of Karachi (1966).
Journalism Career
-
Started his journalism career with Dawn newspaper in the late 1960s.
-
Worked at Dawn for nearly three decades as a reporter and columnist.
-
Temporarily left journalism in 1972 to serve as Press Secretary to the Governor of Balochistan, Mir Ghaus Bakhsh Bizenjo.
Imprisonment & Struggles
-
Imprisoned during the crackdown on the National Awami Party in the 1970s.
-
Spent about 3.5 to 4.5 years in jail for his political affiliations.
Editorial Leadership
-
Founder & Editor-in-Chief of:
-
Balochistan Express (English daily)
-
Azadi (Urdu daily)
-
Weekly Express (English weekly)
-
-
Played a pioneering role in the development of Balochistan’s local press.
Writings & Publications
-
Authored the book “Political Economy of Balochistan”—a significant work on the region’s socio-economic challenges.
-
Continued writing editorials until shortly before his death, even while battling cancer.
Advocacy & Activism
-
Strong advocate for press freedom and the rights of Baloch and Pashtun communities.
-
Publicly criticized government censorship and media restrictions, especially under military regimes.
Leadership Roles
-
President of Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ).
-
Executive Committee member of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ).
-
Vice-President of the Karachi Press Club.
Legacy & Impact
-
Regarded as a “symbol of resistance” and voice of the voiceless in Balochistan.
-
Remembered for his integrity, courage, and commitment to journalism under pressure.
-
Deeply respected in journalistic circles; affectionately called “Lala” or “Mama”.