Mahrang Baloch Criticizes Balochistan Government for Targeting Activists
Quetta, Pakistan – Baloch rights leader Mahrang Baloch has criticized the Balochistan government for adding activists to the Fourth Schedule list under Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act. She stated that the local administration, influenced by the military, is trying to turn the province into a mass internment camp, similar to Xinjiang.
In a post on X, Mahrang Baloch said, “The Balochistan government, at the behest of the military establishment, is carrying out massive and systematic abuses by placing thousands of names on the Fourth Schedule, a draconian anti-terror watch list. In Quetta alone, 137 people were added to the Fourth Schedule in July, including students, activists, writers, lecturers, and professors.”
According to a report, the list includes political activists, leaders of student organizations, writers, and even government employees. A recent government notification claimed that these names were added due to alleged links with banned groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Mahrang Baloch also mentioned that her brother, Nasir Baloch, who has no political activism connections, is on the list. She emphasized that adding peaceful individuals or family members of activists to an anti-terror watch list is part of a larger campaign of subjugation and oppression against the Baloch people.
She urged civil society, the media, international human rights organizations, and political stakeholders to speak out against this misuse of the law.
Doubts Revealed
Mahrang Baloch -: Mahrang Baloch is a leader who fights for the rights of the Baloch people, a community in Pakistan.
Balochistan -: Balochistan is a province in Pakistan, known for its rich natural resources and a history of conflict between the local people and the government.
Activists -: Activists are people who work to bring about social or political change. They often speak out against injustices and work to improve conditions for others.
Fourth Schedule list -: The Fourth Schedule list is a part of Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act. It includes names of people who are suspected of being involved in terrorism or activities against the state.
Anti-Terrorism Act -: The Anti-Terrorism Act is a law in Pakistan designed to prevent and punish acts of terrorism. It gives the government special powers to deal with suspected terrorists.
Military influence -: Military influence means that the army or military forces have a strong impact on the decisions and actions of the government.
Civil society -: Civil society refers to organizations and groups that work independently from the government to promote social, cultural, and political activities. Examples include NGOs, community groups, and advocacy organizations.
International organizations -: International organizations are groups that operate across different countries to address global issues. Examples include the United Nations (UN) and Amnesty International.