Police in Karachi have arrested Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) Central Leader Sammi Deen Baloch and Deputy Organizer Lala Wahab during a protest against “state brutality and enforced disappearances,” the BYC said on Monday.
According to the group, Pakistani forces cordoned off the Karachi Press Club in an attempt to block the protest. Despite this, dozens of activists, mostly women, managed to gather outside the building.
“As the protest began, police launched a crackdown, arresting dozens of women, including BYC Central Committee leader Sammi Deen Baloch and Deputy Organizer Lala Wahab,” the BYC said in a statement. “Their current whereabouts remain unknown.”
The group condemned the arrests, describing the action as “a blatant act of repression aimed at silencing the oppressed.”
International human rights group Front Line Defenders expressed “deep concern” over Ms Baloch’s detention. The organisation, which honoured Sammi Deen Baloch with its 2024 award, called for her immediate release.
“We are deeply concerned by reports that Baloch human rights defender Sammi Deen Baloch has been arrested by Karachi police and taken to an unknown location,” the group said on social media platform X. “We call for her immediate release and an end to reprisals against Baloch human rights defenders.”
Message from Dr. Mahrang Baloch
Meanwhile, BYC central organizer Dr Mahrang Baloch, previously arrested during protests in Quetta, issued a message from jail.
After a prison visit with her sister, Dr Baloch reportedly appeared “brave and courageous” despite facing harsh conditions in detention.
“Every possible effort is being made to intimidate us, but we will not retreat from our struggle for rights and justice,” Dr Baloch told her sister. “Our strength lies in our unity and peaceful resistance.”
Speaking to the Baloch nation, Dr Baloch said their struggle is for truth and justice. She urged everyone to remain united, non-violent, and vocal about their grievances.
“Despite facing oppression and tyranny, we must not lose courage because every sacrifice brings us closer to our goal,”she added.
Her sister said she saw no signs of despair. “Her smile and strong tone testified that she is not ready to bow down to any pressure,” she said.
On Monday, Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai also raised concerns, calling Dr Baloch’s detention “disturbing and concerning.”
In a statement posted on X, Malala said Dr Baloch “represents millions of voiceless people — women and children — who are facing human rights violations in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”
“It is her right to protest and speak out for the most vulnerable people, and she must be immediately released,” Malala wrote. “I stand with Mahrang Baloch.”
Protests Continue Across Balochistan Despite Crackdown
Protests continued for the fifth consecutive day in multiple cities of Balochistan against the crackdown and arrests.
Demonstrations took place in Kalat, Quetta, Panjgur, and elsewhere, with widespread shutter-down strikes and road blockades.
In Kalat, the BYC led a rally denouncing the use of force against protesters in Quetta.
In Quetta, fresh violence was reported as police allegedly opened fire on demonstrators, injuring one youth. Several others reportedly sustained injuries during baton charges.
In Panjgur, BYC supporters claimed police snatched mobile phones and used tear gas and live fire against protesters attempting to block roads. Local activists also alleged that “state-backed” armed groups, known locally as “death squads”, assisted police during the crackdown.
In Turbat, a large protest rally demanded the release of Dr Mahrang Baloch and condemned the mistreatment of demonstrators.
Significant demonstrations also took place in Buleda, where protesters criticised what they described as “abduction-style” arrests, particularly that of Dr Mahrang Baloch.
Despite a broader crackdown, BYC supporters pledged to continue road blockades, shutter-down strikes, and sit-ins. They demanded the immediate release of Dr Mahrang Baloch, Sammi Deen Baloch, and all other detained activists.