WASHINGTON DC: March 27. 2012. (PCP) The Baloch Society of North America (BSO-NA), a leading Baloch body based in Washington DC, reiterated its call for Baloch independence and demanded that Pakistan and Iran immediately remove occupying forces from Baloch soil without further bloodshed. Balochistan, once an independent state, was annexed by Pakistan on March 27, 1948 after the Khan of Kalat, Mir Ahmed Yar Khan, signed the so-called document of accession imposed upon him by Mohammad Ali Jinnah. However, this move violated the will and wishes of the Baloch people given the fact the Baloch upper and lower houses unanimously voted to remain independent. Dr. Wahid Baloch, President of BSO-NA issued the following statement: “The Baloch Nation rejects the fraudulent merger and illegal occupation of Balochistan and demands the restoration of Baloch sovereignty over Baloch land, coasts and resources. The Baloch people are suffering enormously under this illegal occupation. It is time for the international community to step up to the plate and rescue the Balochs from Pakistan's tyranny and oppression." Dr. Baloch has been working tirelessly to highlight the plight of the Baloch and has met several U.S. lawmakers and Vice President Joe Biden to bring the ongoing human right violations in Balochistan to their attention. “It is due to our relentless work and effort that Balochistan’s voice is being heard today in the U.S. Congress,” said Dr. Baloch. “We thank and appreciate Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives, for introducing the historic bill and recognizing the Baloch people's right to self-determination. We also would like to thank Congressmen Loui Gohmert (R-TX) and Steve King (R-IA) for co-sponsoring the bill, and we ask other congressmen to follow their lead." The Baloch Society is in the process of seeking suggestions from Baloch stakeholders to organize an international conference in Washington D.C. in the near future to highlight the systemic atrocities being committed by Pakistan and Iran.