Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shah Jee Criticize Pakistan’s Anti-Terror Watchlist
In Balochistan, Pakistan, Mahrang Baloch, a well-known human rights activist and leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, has voiced serious concerns about being placed on Pakistan’s 4th Schedule, an anti-terror watchlist managed by the National Counter Terrorism Authority. Along with fellow activists like Sibghatullah Shah Jee, Baloch took to social media to criticize the military-backed government’s actions as an attempt to suppress peaceful activism.
Baloch argued that the inclusion of her name and others on the watchlist highlights the misuse of anti-terror laws against critics, undermining Pakistan’s claims of being a democracy. She emphasized that these measures aim to intimidate rights defenders and violate fundamental freedoms of expression and association. Despite these challenges, Baloch remains committed to peaceful activism.
She called on international and human rights organizations to condemn these actions and hold the Pakistani government accountable for misusing anti-terror laws. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee also criticized the watchlist as a “Tool of Suppression Against Peaceful Political Workers,” accusing Pakistan of using anti-terrorism laws against political workers in Balochistan without evidence.
The Baloch people have long accused the Pakistani government of neglecting their resource-rich region, which suffers from poverty and violence. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee advocates for the rights of the Baloch people, focusing on political autonomy, cultural preservation, and social justice.
Doubts Revealed
Mahrang Baloch -: Mahrang Baloch is a human rights activist. She works to protect people’s rights and ensure they are treated fairly. She is speaking out against being wrongly labeled as a terrorist.
Sibghatullah Shah Jee -: Sibghatullah Shah Jee is another activist like Mahrang Baloch. He is also being wrongly included on a list meant for terrorists, even though he is working for people’s rights.
Anti-Terror Watchlist -: An anti-terror watchlist is a list of people who are suspected of being involved in terrorism. It is meant to help keep countries safe, but sometimes people are wrongly added to it.
Human Rights Activist -: A human rights activist is someone who works to make sure everyone is treated fairly and has their basic rights protected. They often speak out against unfair treatment by governments or other groups.
Baloch Yakjehti Committee -: The Baloch Yakjehti Committee is a group that supports the Baloch people. They work to bring attention to issues affecting the Baloch community and stand against unfair treatment.
Baloch People -: The Baloch people are an ethnic group living in the Balochistan region, which is rich in resources. They often feel neglected by the government and want more attention to their needs.
