Siddiq Baloch, born on August 10, 1940, in the Rexer-lane area of Lyari, Karachi, was a prominent figure in Balochistan media landscape. He founded and served as the Editor-in-Chief of both the Daily Balochistan Express and the Daily Azadi Quetta. Recognized as one of the most rational voices in Balochistan, he vigorously advocated for the rights of its people.

With a comprehensive understanding of Balochistan political economy, Siddiq Baloch authored two books on the subject. While he also held opinions on national and international matters, his primary expertise lay in the realm of regional affairs, particularly those pertaining to Balochistan geostrategic significance. Throughout his professional journey, Siddiq Baloch consistently stood in opposition to the oppressive policies of the ruling authorities. He steadfastly championed the autonomy of the province and was a leading advocate for freedom of media. Despite his principled stance, he remained a vocal critic of the ruler treatment of Balochistan, refusing to align with their viewpoints.

Siddiq Baloch educational path included matriculation from a local school in Lyari, followed by intermediate at SM College. He pursued a Master degree in Economics from the University of Karachi. During his student years, he actively engaged in left-wing student politics, assuming the role of President of the Student Union and contributing to the Baloch Students Organization efforts. In addition, he was an active sports enthusiast, playing football for both his local club and the university team.

After completing his education, he initially volunteered as a teacher at the Baloch Intermediate College, Lyari. However, his career path took a turn when he joined DAWN Newspaper as a Trainee-Sub Editor. He dedicated nearly 28 years to the newspaper, evolving his skills. He has to his credit for writing a 100-page DAWN supplement on Balochistan single-handedly.

Siddiq Baloch was not only a media professional but also an active participant in politics. He aligned himself with the National Awami Party and shared a close association with the late Mir Ghous Bux Bizenjo. When Mir Ghous Bux Bizenjo assumed the role of Balochistan Governor in 1973, Siddiq Baloch was appointed as the Press Secretary. His commitment to his principles led to his imprisonment for five years during the Bhutto Administration crackdown on the elected Balochistan government under the Hyderabad Conspiracy case.

In the 1990s, he started a newspaper, Sindh Express from Karachi in partnership with Mr. Nasir Brohi. However, within a few months, he moved to Quetta and established his newspaper, the Daily Balochistan Express. After a few years, he also started an Urdu daily, Daily Azadi Quetta. These newspapers, which he built from the ground up, became esteemed institutions.

He visited many countries of the world including the United States, the Russian Federation, the People’s Republic of China, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and dozens of other countries; he covered international conferences and summits as a newsman.

Siddiq Baloch legacy continues even after his passing on February 6, 2018, at the age of 78, following a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was laid to rest in Mewa-Shah Graveyard, Lyari. His lifetime achievements encompassed serving as the President of the Karachi Union of Journalists, Vice President of the Karachi Press Club, heading the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editor Balochistan chapter, being the president of Editors Council Balochistan, a lifetime member of the executive body of APNS, and holding the position of Chairman of the Balochi Academy. In acknowledgment of his contributions to journalism, he was bestowed with the Presidential Sitara-e-Imtiaz and the lifetime achievement award by the Government of Pakistan. To commemorate his contributions, the Government of Balochistan decided to name Balochistan’s first media academy after him.

Muhammad Sadiq currently holds the position of Editor and is the Publisher of the Daily Balochistan Express. He is the youngest son of the newspaper founding editor, Siddiq Baloch. He holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Balochistan. His journey in the field of Journalism commenced as a sports reporter during his college years. With time, he advanced through the ranks within the organization, ultimately achieving the position of Editor for the Daily Balochistan Express.