Baloch Yakhjeeti Committee Urges Action Against Human Rights Abuses in Balochistan
Quetta, Pakistan – The Baloch Yakhjeeti Committee (BYC) has called on human rights organisations to address the increasing human rights abuses committed by Pakistani law enforcement agencies in Balochistan. In a letter posted on social media platform X, BYC’s Central Organiser and prominent Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch highlighted the urgent need for intervention to protect the lives and freedoms of Baloch activists and citizens.
The BYC, a Baloch rights organisation advocating against fundamental human rights abuses and enforced disappearances in Balochistan, is organising a mass gathering in Gwadar on July 28. The event aims to peacefully protest against the ongoing abuses, including enforced disappearances, harassment of political and human rights activists, and the socio-economic exploitation of indigenous people.
Recent Incidents of Abuse
Mahrang Baloch detailed a series of recent incidents where BYC members faced unlawful detentions, harassment, and intimidation:
- Unlawful arrest and threat to female members in Khuzdar by the paramilitary Frontier Corps.
- Abduction of a member’s brother in Gwadar.
- Harassment and bogus charges against workers in Hub Chowki.
- Threats and phone confiscations in Turbat.
- Threatening phone calls and military summons in Kohlu.
- Abduction and illegal detention of a colleague in Quetta.
- Arrest of four members in Karachi on July 23 despite police denials.
- Threats to workers in Kalat to stop them from mobilising and raising awareness.
Additionally, state authorities have been manipulating laws to sabotage the Baloch National Gathering in Gwadar. Transport owners, sound management companies, and catering services have been threatened not to provide BYC with essential services for the event.
Call for Global Support
Mahrang Baloch emphasised that the BYC has been protesting against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings while demanding the basic right to life. However, the Pakistani state is not allowing even the right to peaceful assembly. The acts of intimidation and repression are seen as clear attempts to stifle voices and hinder lawful and peaceful activities, representing a blatant disregard for fundamental human rights and freedoms.
The letter urgently calls on human rights organisations to pressurise the Pakistani government to cease unlawful practices immediately, hold authorities accountable for any harm to BYC members or gathering participants, and advocate for the protection of human rights activists, ensuring their safety and freedom to campaign without fear of retaliation.
Mahrang Baloch concluded by underscoring the critical need for the attention and intervention of human rights organisations to safeguard the rights of the Baloch people and ensure justice. With global support, BYC hopes to bring attention to these violations, she said, urging the Pakistani authorities to respect human rights and freedom of speech.
Doubts Revealed
Baloch Yakhjeeti Committee -: The Baloch Yakhjeeti Committee (BYC) is a group that works to protect the rights of people in Balochistan, a region in Pakistan.
Human Rights Abuses -: Human rights abuses are actions that harm people’s basic rights, like freedom and safety. This can include things like unfair arrests and mistreatment.
Balochistan -: Balochistan is a large region in Pakistan. It has its own culture and people, and sometimes there are problems between the people there and the government.
Pakistani law enforcement -: Pakistani law enforcement includes the police and other groups that are supposed to keep people safe and make sure laws are followed in Pakistan.
Unlawful detentions -: Unlawful detentions are when people are put in jail or held by the police without a good reason or without following the law.
Harassment -: Harassment means bothering or threatening someone in a way that makes them feel scared or upset.
Intimidation -: Intimidation is when someone tries to make another person feel afraid, often to make them do something or stop them from doing something.
Gwadar -: Gwadar is a city in Balochistan, Pakistan. It is known for its port and is an important place for trade.
Global support -: Global support means getting help or backing from people and groups all around the world.
Human rights activists -: Human rights activists are people who work to make sure everyone is treated fairly and has their basic rights protected.
