Baloch Activists Stopped from Traveling to New York
In Islamabad, Pakistan, Baloch rights activists Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch were prevented from traveling to New York for the TIME Magazine gala. They were invited as part of the publication’s Most Influential Emerging Leaders of the Year. Mahrang Baloch shared on social media that they were detained at the airport without legal justification, calling it a violation of their right to freedom of movement.
Allegations of Harassment
Sammi Deen Baloch recounted their experience of harassment and verbal abuse by police officers and unidentified individuals. They were searched, and Mahrang Baloch’s belongings, including her mobile phone and passport, were confiscated. The activists were left stranded on a deserted road after being ambushed.
Call for Action
Sammi Deen Baloch urged people to speak out against the injustice, emphasizing that such actions aim to silence Baloch voices. She highlighted the ongoing human rights violations in Balochistan, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, as reported by the Baloch National Movement at the UN Human Rights Council.
Doubts Revealed
Baloch Activists -: Baloch activists are people who work to protect the rights and culture of the Baloch people, an ethnic group from the Balochistan region, which is in parts of Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan.
TIME Gala -: The TIME Gala is a special event organized by TIME Magazine, where influential people from around the world are invited to celebrate their achievements and contributions to society.
Karachi International Airport -: Karachi International Airport, also known as Jinnah International Airport, is the largest and busiest airport in Pakistan, located in the city of Karachi.
Balochistan -: Balochistan is a region in South Asia, mainly in Pakistan, known for its unique culture and history. It has been a place of conflict due to demands for greater autonomy and rights by the Baloch people.
Human Rights Abuses -: Human rights abuses refer to violations against people’s basic rights and freedoms, such as unfair treatment, violence, or discrimination, often by governments or authorities.