I am deeply alarmed and outraged by the detention of Mahrang Baloch this morning in Quetta. As someone who strongly believes in the power of peaceful resistance, I stand firmly with this extraordinary leader who has become the voice of the oppressed in Balochistan. Her arrest is not just a matter of law enforcement—it is an attack on the very principles of justice and human rights that I hold sacred.
I have watched in awe as Mahrang Baloch accomplished what many thought impossible: mobilizing a powerful, peaceful movement against systemic human rights violations in one of the most challenging environments imaginable. In a region where patriarchal structures have historically silenced women's voices, I have seen her rise as a formidable force for change, inspiring millions to stand for justice without resorting to violence. Her courage resonates deeply with my own commitment to peaceful resistance.
I am profoundly troubled that Pakistani authorities have arrested Mahrang and held her incommunicado. By denying her access to legal counsel, I believe they are violating both Pakistani law and international human rights standards. I see this not as legitimate law enforcement but as intimidation designed to crush a movement that dares to speak truth to power. I cannot and will not stay silent.
I unequivocally call on the Government of Pakistan to:
1. IMMEDIATELY reveal Mahrang Baloch's whereabouts and condition
2. GRANT her immediate and unrestricted access to legal representation
3. RELEASE her unconditionally and without delay
4. CEASE all harassment and intimidation of peaceful activists in Balochistan
I am convinced that this detention will not silence Mahrang's vision- it will only amplify it. Her courage has already inspired a movement that transcends borders, including my own advocacy. I join the international community in holding Pakistani authorities accountable for this blatant attempt to suppress peaceful advocacy.
I call for immediate action now. Free Mahrang Baloch!
🚨 #Pakistan
We are calling for the immediate release of prominent WHRD Dr. Mahrang Baloch, who was arrested by Pakistani police early this morning at a peaceful protest in Quetta.
We also call for the release of HRD Bebarg Zehri and his brother, abducted from their home on 20 March. The Pakistan authorities must stop the crackdown against Baloch protesters and HRDs!
Read the statement: https://t.co/gLJOs7epC6
صوبے بلوچستان کے طلبہ میعارِ تعلیم سے خاصے مایوس نظر آتے ہیں۔ @balochsadia2 کا کہنا ہے کہ جب وہ کہیں اسکالر شپ یا نوکری کے لیے اپلائی کرتے ہیں تو انہیں خاصی مشکل کا سامنا کرنا پڑتا ہے۔
Admiring the remarkable efforts of @BSAC_org in promoting educational awareness among Baloch youth! I'm pleased to donate books worth 300,000 rupees. May they continue their tireless work to enhance educational and literary awareness in Balochistan! #Education#Balochistan
It just feels like international orgs & institutions are designed by high power elites to benefit themselves only. Nothing else. Our professor was right saying, “Don’t take IHL seriously.”
Took a course on international humanitarian law this semester & while reviewing the fundamental concepts throughout the semester, I was struck by how the aims, principles, & ideas of IHL are consistently violated in Balochistan—every single day & in numerous ways.
Shame on #PMDC They increase the registration fee from 6k to 8k. . it is injustice with students. PMDC own words that in this year minimum 2 lac students will appeared in MDCAT test in 2024 . If we multiply 8k into 2lac than the worth will be 1.6B
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Keeping the entire region isolated and disconnected is totally illegitimate and nonsense. In the modern era Balochistan has been deprived from legitimate rights.
We demand immediate actions to resolve this issue.
@BBhuttoZardari@PakSarfrazbugti@ZahoorBuledi
Where are you??
Balochistan government is keeping people of Makuran & #Gwadar hostage. The entire region is disconnected from the world. This isn’t the way free people should be treated by a state & its security forces. Why are we being treated as an occupied territory.@CMShehbaz@BBhuttoZardari
From last three days, I am not able to contact my family in Turbat. There is a complete internet shutdown. Balochistan Government making people’s life difficult by cutting off internet services. We are not a colony, that you want to control & disconnect people from the world.
Hearing v worrying reports of violent crackdown on HRDs & others trying to attend Baloch National Gathering in Pakistan. I am very concerned for HRDs involved & remind govt of its obligations re right of everyone to peacefully promote human rights @PakUN_Geneva@ForeignOfficePk