Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a prominent human rights activist and leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. She is among 338 nominees for the prestigious award, including 244 individuals and 94 organizations.
The news was first reported on X (formerly Twitter) by Norway-based Baloch journalist Kiyya Baloch, who stated that Dr. Mahrang Baloch was nominated in recognition of her advocacy against human rights violations in Balochistan. While the Nobel Foundation keeps nominees’ identities confidential for 50 years, those making the nominations can choose to disclose them. According to Kiyya Baloch, he was informed by individuals involved in the nomination process.
Dr. Mahrang Baloch has led multiple protests and long marches to highlight enforced disappearances and other human rights abuses in Balochistan. Her activism has garnered global attention, earning her a place on BBC’s list of the 100 most influential women and recognition by TIME magazine as one of the world’s top emerging leaders.
In 2023, Pakistani authorities prevented her from traveling to New York to attend a TIME magazine event honoring her as one of the 100 rising leaders. The move was widely condemned by human rights organizations.
Her nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize is seen as a major acknowledgment of her struggle for justice and human rights in Balochistan.