Balochistan – Rights Concerns Grow Amid Rising Pressure on Activists
Balochistan – Authorities in Pakistan are facing renewed criticism after prominent Baloch rights campaigner Dr Mahrang Baloch accused state institutions of tightening restrictions on political activists and increasing pressure on families in Balochistan.
Dr Baloch, who serves as the chief organiser of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), described the current atmosphere in the province as increasingly tense and restrictive. Speaking through a statement reported by The Balochistan Post, she claimed that political workers and human rights advocates are encountering growing difficulties while attempting to raise concerns through peaceful means.
According to her remarks, incidents of enforced disappearances, intimidation and alleged extrajudicial actions have created fear among local communities. She argued that many individuals seeking accountability and justice now feel unsafe expressing their opinions publicly.
Concerns Raised Over Shrinking Democratic Space
Dr Baloch said the room for political engagement in Balochistan was narrowing rapidly. She maintained that peaceful protest movements and rights campaigns were being met with pressure instead of dialogue.
The activist questioned how ordinary citizens could continue democratic participation if peaceful voices were allegedly targeted. She also claimed that fear and harassment were discouraging families from speaking openly about missing relatives and other human rights concerns.
Her comments come amid continuing debate over the situation in Pakistan’s southwestern province, where allegations involving disappearances and security-related operations have remained a sensitive issue for years.
Allegations Against State Institutions
In her statement, Dr Baloch criticised judicial and government institutions, alleging they had failed to provide justice to affected families. She claimed many families continue searching for missing relatives without receiving clear answers from authorities.
One of the cases highlighted involved Nazar Marri Baloch, identified as a BYC member and human rights supporter. According to Dr Baloch, his whereabouts remain unknown despite repeated appeals made by relatives seeking information about his condition and location.
She also referred to the case of Zeeshan Zaheer Baloch. Dr Baloch alleged that Zeeshan’s father had disappeared in April 2015 and that the family continued to suffer emotional distress over the years that followed.
Family Pressure and Intimidation Claims
Dr Baloch further alleged that Zeeshan himself was killed in June 2025 after spending years affected by the trauma connected to enforced disappearances within his family.
She claimed that relatives of the deceased continue to experience pressure from authorities. In particular, she referred to allegations involving Zeeshan’s sister, Adeeba Baloch, who was reportedly pushed to publicly separate herself from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee during what Dr Baloch described as a forced media appearance.
Another activist mentioned in the statement was Fozia Baloch. Dr Baloch alleged that Fozia’s brother, writer Daad Shah, was taken from their home by security personnel in April 2026.
According to the statement, Fozia later participated in protests demanding information about her brother. Dr Baloch claimed that she and several family members were detained during the demonstrations and were later released after alleged mistreatment.
Calls for International Attention
Reaffirming the BYC’s position, Dr Baloch stated that the organisation would continue campaigning through peaceful methods despite ongoing pressure. She said the group remained committed to raising concerns related to enforced disappearances, civil rights and political freedom in Balochistan.
The activist also appealed to international human rights organisations to closely monitor developments in the region. She urged global institutions to examine allegations of abuse and increase attention on what she described as a worsening human rights situation in the province.
Pakistani authorities have not publicly responded to the latest allegations mentioned in the statement. The issue of security operations and political activism in Balochistan continues to attract attention from rights groups, local activists and international observers.