Dr. Mahrang Baloch, organizer of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and a prominent human rights activist, has vowed to continue her advocacy for justice and human rights in Balochistan despite facing severe threats and legal restrictions.
“As a Baloch woman and human rights defender, I have spent more than a decade campaigning against enforced disappearances, custodial killings, and widespread human rights abuses in Balochistan,” she said. “This activism has come at great personal cost, including harassment, persecution, and numerous terrorism charges.”
Dr. Mahrang recounted her father’s forced disappearance in 2009 and subsequent killing in 2011, events that profoundly shaped her activism. “My father was forcibly disappeared by Pakistani intelligence agencies and later killed. In 2017, my brother was also abducted. That day, I decided I would not remain silent, nor allow other girls like me to suffer in silence,” she said, noting that her brother was eventually released.
She highlighted how her advocacy has led to increased restrictions on her freedom. Following her visit to Norway in May 2024 to speak at the World Expression Forum (WEXFO) and PEN Norway, she became the target of what she described as a “coordinated propaganda campaign.”
“During my stay, I was followed, harassed, and filmed on Norwegian soil,” she said. “These images were circulated online in Pakistan by accounts linked to the military, accusing me of meeting CIA agents and receiving funds to create chaos in Pakistan.”
Upon returning to Pakistan, Dr. Mahrang faced additional challenges, including being placed on a no-fly list in October. She described an incident on October 7 when she was barred from boarding a flight to New York to attend a TIME Magazine event. “Despite my protests, I was denied the right to board the flight, and my passport was confiscated,” she said.
She also recounted a chilling experience after leaving Karachi airport that same night. “My car was intercepted by unknown gunmen on a dark road. They mentally tortured me, verbally abused me, and forcibly took my passport,” she said. Following this incident, another case under terrorism laws was registered against her.
Dr. Mahrang said her name was added to the Exit Control List (ECL) and later to the Fourth Schedule, a local anti-terror watch list. “This status imposes severe restrictions, including frozen bank accounts, bans on financial support, and employment clearances,” she explained, adding that her brother had also been placed on the Fourth Schedule.
She expressed frustration over the fabricated cases filed against her, noting that she now faces dozens of charges. “Since my recognition by TIME Magazine and my visit to Norway, the baseless cases and restrictions have only increased,” she said.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Mahrang emphasized her unwavering commitment to her activism. In December 2024, she was named one of the BBC 100 Women, joining a list of inspiring voices from around the world. “Slowly, the world is beginning to recognize our peaceful struggle for human rights and an end to enforced disappearances in Balochistan,” she said.
She emphasized the risks she faces but underscored her determination. “The threats to my life are very real, but our struggle is for the fundamental right to live a peaceful life,” she said. “Without the rule of law, corruption and human rights violations will persist.”
Dr. Mahrang concluded by reflecting on the challenges ahead. “I, along with my movement, am navigating deep waters surrounded by sharks. But we know there are pearls to be found, and we are prepared to dive deep to harvest them,” she said. “For me, human rights activism is not a hobby but a profound responsibility. I will continue to fulfill this duty with unwavering determination.”