Geneva, March 27 (IANS) – United Nations human rights experts have called on the Government of Pakistan to immediately release Balochistan human rights defenders and cease the ongoing crackdown on peaceful protests. The experts expressed serious concerns over the welfare of leaders from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), including Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch, who were recently detained for staging demonstrations advocating for the rights of the Baloch community.
In a statement issued by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the experts highlighted a pattern of escalating police actions against BYC members, a network that campaigns for the rights of the Baloch minority. The situation has worsened following a March 11 attack by Baloch separatists on a passenger train, after which Pakistan’s Counter Terrorism Department allegedly arrested or forcibly disappeared several prominent Baloch activists.
“We have been monitoring with growing concern reports of alleged arrests and enforced disappearances of Baloch activists over the past months. The violent incidents in recent days have significantly heightened our concerns,” the UN experts stated.
Police Crackdown on Peaceful Protesters
On March 21, Quetta Police launched a violent crackdown on a peaceful BYC protest outside the University of Balochistan, where demonstrators were demanding the release of detained and forcibly disappeared activists. During the operation, three individuals were reportedly shot and killed, while many others sustained injuries and were arrested.
In response, Mahrang Baloch, a prominent woman human rights defender and BYC leader, organized a sit-in protest alongside other members, using the bodies of those killed to highlight police violence. However, on March 22, police launched another operation on Sariab Road, Quetta, using batons and tear gas to disperse protesters. Several activists, including Mahrang Baloch, were detained, with her whereabouts remaining unknown for nearly 12 hours. Reports indicate that she was denied family visits and legal counsel and was later charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
On March 24, Karachi Police detained another key BYC member and human rights advocate, Sammi Deen Baloch, alongside other protesters outside the Karachi Press Club. Her detention was reportedly ordered for 30 days under the Sindh Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance.
UN Calls for Immediate Action
The UN experts have voiced grave concerns regarding the safety and well-being of Mahrang Baloch, Sammi Deen Baloch, and other detained activists. They have urged Pakistani authorities to release all detained human rights defenders immediately and refrain from misusing counter-terrorism and public safety laws to suppress peaceful advocacy.
“We urge the Pakistani authorities to clarify, without delay, the fate and whereabouts of all those subjected to enforced disappearances. The government must ensure the protection of human rights defenders exercising their right to peaceful assembly,” the experts emphasized.
Furthermore, the UN experts called on Pakistan to address the root causes that contribute to terrorism while aligning its actions with the principles outlined in the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. The OHCHR remains in contact with Pakistani authorities regarding these pressing human rights concerns.
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