The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders has called on Pakistani authorities to stop harassing Baloch activist Dr Sabiha Baloch and her family.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Mary Lawlor said she was “deeply concerned” by reports that Dr Baloch could face imminent arrest in Balochistan.
She also condemned the reported detention of Dr Baloch’s father, describing it as retaliation for her political and human rights work.
“Authorities in Balochistan must end their retaliation against her and ensure she is free to protect, defend and promote human rights,” Lawlor said.
Dr Baloch is a senior leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a political group that has organised major demonstrations across Balochistan against state repression. The group is currently facing a widespread crackdown by Pakistani authorities, with several of its members — and in some cases, their family members — arrested or forcibly disappeared.
Dr Sabiha Baloch’s father, Mir Bashir Ahmed, was allegedly taken by Pakistani security forces on 5 April from the town of Hub. He has not been seen since.
Dr Baloch said her father was being targeted because of her activism.
“My father has not been taken for any crime, but because of my political stance,” she said. “This is not law enforcement – it is political blackmail.”
Family sources told The Balochistan Post that Pakistani intelligence officials informed the family that Mr Ahmed would only be released if Dr Baloch resigned from the BYC or turned herself in to authorities. They also reportedly issued threats, including the possible killing of her father.
Dr Baloch is among several BYC members who have reported intimidation or detention in recent weeks.
Dr Mahrang Baloch remains in jail after being arrested during a sit-in protest in Quetta. Beebow Baloch and Gulzadi Baloch are also in custody. Fouzia Baloch and Mahzeb Baloch were detained in Karachi and Hub but later released.
Sammi Deen Baloch, who was detained during protests in Karachi, has also been released.
Protests led by the BYC and the Balochistan National Party (BNP-Mengal) have continued for 13 days across the region. Demonstrators are demanding the release of all detained activists and an end to what they describe as state repression.
Meanwhile, the Balochistan government has responded by blocking key roads into Quetta using shipping containers and trenches, in an attempt to prevent additional protesters from joining the ongoing sit-in at Lakpass.