QUETTA: Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a 31-year-old physician and prominent activist, has become a central figure in the struggle for human rights in Balochistan, Pakistan. Her unwavering commitment to justice has led to multiple arrests and significant hardships, highlighting the broader crisis in the region.
Arrests and Treatment in Custody
In March 2025, Dr. Baloch was arrested along with 16 other activists during a peaceful protest in Quetta against alleged enforced disappearances. Following her detention, family members reported being denied visitation rights and the ability to provide her with essential items such as food and clothing. Her sister, Asma Baloch, stated that despite waiting for over two hours outside Quetta District Jail, they were not permitted to meet Dr. Baloch or deliver necessities. Additionally, concerns were raised about Dr. Baloch not being produced in court within 24 hours of her arrest, nor being granted access to legal counsel.
These actions prompted Amnesty International to call for her immediate release, condemning the arbitrary arrests and detentions of peaceful protesters in Balochistan. The organization emphasized the need for Pakistani authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly and expression.
Legal Proceedings and Acquittal
Dr. Baloch has faced multiple legal challenges due to her activism. In December 2024, she and 85 other participants of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee’s (BYC) long march to Islamabad were acquitted by a civil court in Islamabad. The court cited a lack of evidence in the charges filed by the police, noting the absence of independent witnesses and relevant video footage. The judge concluded that the allegations were unsubstantiated, leading to their acquittal.
Judicial Intervention Against Harassment
In October 2024, the Sindh High Court (SHC) intervened to prevent police from arresting or harassing Dr. Baloch in connection with a case alleging her involvement in inciting people against security institutions. The court restrained law enforcement agencies from taking any coercive action against her and demanded responses from relevant authorities regarding her petitions.
International Recognition and Advocacy
Despite facing continuous threats, including harassment, arrests, and assassination attempts, Dr. Baloch’s dedication to advocating for the Baloch community has garnered international attention. In October 2024, Time magazine recognized her as one of the 100 Most Influential Emerging Leaders, highlighting her role in leading peaceful protests and bringing unprecedented attention to the Baloch struggle.
Open Letter for Release
In response to her March 2025 arrest, human rights organizations, activists, and concerned citizens penned an open letter to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, calling for Dr. Baloch’s immediate release. The letter emphasized her right to peaceful protest and the alarming pattern of suppressing dissent in Balochistan. It urged the government to uphold constitutional rights, ensure her safety, and address the broader issues of enforced disappearances and human rights violations in the region.
Dr. Mahrang Baloch’s experiences reflect the broader challenges faced by activists in Balochistan. Her resilience in the face of adversity underscores the urgent need for addressing human rights concerns in the region and ensuring that peaceful advocacy is met with dialogue rather than repression.
In recent months, Balochistan has witnessed escalating tensions marked by the arrest of activists and widespread protests against alleged human rights violations. A significant incident involved the detention of 290 Baloch activists in Islamabad during demonstrations against extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in the province.
The protests were ignited by the death of 24-year-old Balaach Mola Bakhsh in November 2023 while in police custody. Authorities claimed he was killed during an ambush by militants, whereas his family contends he was innocent and demands justice. In response, activists, predominantly women and children, embarked on a long march from Turbat to Islamabad to highlight the plight of missing persons and alleged state repression. Upon reaching the capital, they faced forceful dispersal by security forces using batons and water cannons, leading to numerous injuries and arrests.
The international community has expressed concern over these developments. Amnesty International condemned the arrests and urged Pakistani authorities to drop all charges against the protesters, emphasizing the need for impartial investigations into extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in Balochistan. Similarly, Front Line Defenders criticized the excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators and called for the immediate release of detained human rights defenders.
The situation in Balochistan remains tense, with ongoing grievances over resource distribution, political autonomy, and human rights abuses fueling unrest. The recent crackdown on peaceful protests has intensified calls for justice and accountability, both domestically and internationally.
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