An iconic human rights activist and organiser of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) Dr. Mahrang Baloch on Wednesday accused the Pakistani state of using “force and violence” to suppress peaceful political voices in Balochistan. In a statement posted on X, Dr. Baloch said the BYC organised a peaceful seminar on November 24 in Turbat city to highlight what she described as the “ongoing genocide of the Baloch people”.
She alleged that Turbat police had filed an “unlawful” First Information Report (FIR) against her and several others of her supporters. “This act is a stark reflection of increasing shift towards authoritarianism, where even peaceful seminars and gatherings are met with suppression,” Dr Baloch said.
The FIR reportedly names Dr Mahrang Baloch, senior advocates from Turbat, 70-year-old Amma Naseema, the family of Balach Moula Bux, Sibgatullah, and other representatives of the BYC, according to a report of The Balochistan Post. Incidentally, the mainline newspapers of Pakistan have stopped coverage of most events of Balochistan, apparently on instructions from the Federal government agencies. The local authorities confirmed the registration of the FIR but they have not commented on the allegations or explained the reasons for targeting seminar participants.
Dr Baloch reaffirmed her commitment to resisting such actions, stating, “Such oppressive tactics will not deter us. We will not remain silent under any circumstances. We will continue to raise our voices for our rights and against the systematic genocide of the Baloch people.”
On Monday, Dr Baloch had criticised intellectuals, journalists, and political workers in Punjab for supporting military operations in Balochistan. She had made these remarks during a visit to the Gwadar Bar Room on Monday, where she was welcomed by Gwadar Bar President Naeem Sharif and other members.
Addressing a gathering of lawyers, Dr Mahrang highlighted the challenges faced by the Baloch people and underscored the need for stronger political and legal activism. “Our people are unaware of what is happening. They have already endured immense oppression. Today, the military burns their homes and displaces them, yet no one questions it,” she said.
She also accused Pakistan’s judicial system of enabling what she described as the “genocide” of the Baloch people. “The judicial system is enabling this oppression, and without resistance, we can expect even more crackdowns in the future,” she warned. She concluded her address by calling for greater unity and organization within the Baloch political struggle. “For the survival of the Baloch nation, this movement must be more structured and united,” she said.
In a related development, Rail and road traffic in Balochistan has remained disrupted for past three days. On Monday, a complete chakka jam was observed across the province on a joint call of political parties, traders and civil society against the abduction of a 10-year-old schoolboy. All government and private schools, colleges and universities in Quetta and other parts of the province remained closed.
In Balochistan Assembly, opposition lawmakers talked about the kidnapping and criticised the government for their failure in safe recovery of the child despite the passage of 10 days.
Meanwhile, the sit-in protest demanding the recovery of missing Diljaan Baloch is continuing for the past over one week outside the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) Complex in Awaran, with the families resolute in their stance. The family has declared that the DC Complex will remain completely shut for any activities until Diljaan Baloch is safely recovered. Diljaan, a resident of Awaran, was reportedly taken into custody by Pakistani forces on June 12, 2024, and has since remained missing, with no information on his whereabouts or condition.
