The family of Mahal Baloch, a rights activist controversially detained by Pakistani LAEs held a press conference at the Quetta Press Club on Wednesday.
In the press conference, the victim family expressed their concerns over the ongoing harassment they face as a result of their activism against human rights violations in Balochistan. Mahal’s sister-in-law, Pari Gul Baloch, detailed the family’s plight and sought assistance from higher judicial authorities, political parties, and regional and international human rights organizations.
Pari Gul Baloch recounted the family’s seven years of struggle, which included their homes being destroyed during a military operation in Gomazi, forcing them to relocate. She emphasized her ongoing efforts to campaign against human rights abuses in Balochistan, a right enshrined in Pakistan’s constitution and legal framework.
Pari Gul reported that Mahal, her two daughters, Pari’s mother, and a niece were arrested from their home in Satellite Town last month from Quetta city of Balochistan. According to her, security forces allegedly assaulted the gatekeeper before entering the property and left other family members in a remote area the next day, retaining Mahal Baloch in custody.
Pari Gul explained that they had previously informed the media of Mahal’s forced disappearance from her home. Despite this, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) contradicted their account, asserting that her arrest occurred at a ladies’ park in Satellite Town.
In response to Mahal’s questionable arrest, the family staged a sit-in protest, which they suspended after authorities pledged to deliver justice in accordance with the law. Over a month has passed since Mahal’s arrest, yet she has experienced five remands to police custody and displayed visible signs of physical assault during her court appearances.
Pari Gul accused the Balochistan government and CTD officials of orchestrating a media trial, labeling Mahal a criminal under the Anti-Terrorism Act and attempting to link other family members, including Pari, with Baloch armed groups through a press conference and social media. Pari stated that the family has been subjected to harassment and threats due to their advocacy for Mahal’s cause.
The family appealed to higher judicial authorities, political parties, and regional and international human rights organizations for support. They contend that instead of addressing their calls for justice in Mahal’s case, efforts are being made to silence them and hinder their ability to speak out against human rights violations in Balochistan.
Pari Gul urged the higher judiciary to take notice of these incidents and demand answers from those involved. She also addressed questions regarding Mahel’s treatment in custody, revealing that a video statement was forcibly obtained from her under duress, which carries no legal weight. Pari urged the court to question the CTD about this issue and asserted the family’s determination to fight a legal battle to secure Mahal’s release.