Mahrang Baloch Accuses Pakistan of Violence Against Peaceful Protesters in Karachi
In Karachi, Pakistan, prominent Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch has accused the Pakistan government of using violence to suppress a peaceful protest organized by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). The protest was against recent enforced disappearances in Balochistan.
Mahrang Baloch took to social media platform X to express her concerns, stating that Pakistan’s intelligence agencies, Sindh police, and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) government arrested Lala Wahab Baloch, the Deputy Organizer of BYC, along with other protesters. She described these actions as a “crackdown on freedom of expression” and accused the government of “systematically silencing” dissenting voices.
She highlighted that in recent weeks, many Baloch individuals, especially young students, have been forcibly disappeared. Mahrang Baloch urged human rights organizations not to ignore this “oppressive assault on civil liberties.”
On October 18, three men were reportedly forcibly disappeared by Pakistani security forces in the Panjgur and Khuzdar districts of Balochistan. The men, identified as Ali Haider, Siraj Rasheed, and Shahab, were allegedly taken at different times over the past week. Their families have been unable to trace their whereabouts.
Enforced disappearances have been a longstanding issue in Balochistan, with international human rights organizations documenting numerous cases of individuals taken by state authorities without legal justification.
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) is a political and social organization based in Balochistan, advocating for the rights of the Baloch people and promoting unity among various Baloch nationalist groups. The committee focuses on political autonomy, cultural preservation, and social justice for the Baloch community.
Doubts Revealed
Mahrang Baloch -: Mahrang Baloch is a well-known activist from the Baloch community. Activists are people who work to bring about social or political change.
Baloch -: Baloch refers to people from Balochistan, a region in Pakistan. They have their own unique culture and language.
Karachi -: Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan. It is a major economic and cultural hub in the country.
Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) -: The Baloch Yakjehti Committee is a group that works to unite Baloch people and raise awareness about their issues. They organize events and protests to highlight their concerns.
Enforced disappearances -: Enforced disappearances happen when people are taken away by authorities and their whereabouts are kept secret. It is a serious human rights issue.
Lala Wahab Baloch -: Lala Wahab Baloch is a leader in the Baloch Yakjehti Committee. Leaders like him help organize and guide the group’s activities.
Crackdown -: A crackdown is when authorities take strong action to stop or control a group or activity. It often involves arrests and use of force.
Freedom of expression -: Freedom of expression is the right to express one’s ideas and opinions freely. It is an important part of human rights.
Human rights organizations -: Human rights organizations are groups that work to protect people’s basic rights and freedoms. They often help those who are treated unfairly or unjustly.