Mahrang Baloch Raises Alarm Over Disappearances and Violence Against Baloch Students in Pakistan
Quetta, Pakistan, September 27: Baloch rights activist Mahrang Baloch has expressed serious concerns about the increasing number of enforced disappearances and violence against Baloch students in Balochistan and Punjab, Pakistan.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mahrang Baloch stated, “The rapid increase of enforced disappearances of Baloch students in different areas of Balochistan and educational institutions of Punjab is alarming.”
She highlighted the case of Hamid Baloch, a 7th-semester sociology student at the University of Sargodha, who was forcibly taken by state secret agencies from Bahadur Shah Zafar Road in front of Ibrahim Hospital, Sargodha, Punjab. Hamid’s family has not been informed about his location, and he has not been presented in any court or police station.
The Balochistan Post reported that Hamid’s family and classmates are calling for his immediate release, but his whereabouts remain unknown.
On Monday, tensions escalated at Punjab University when Baloch students were allegedly attacked by members of Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing. Reports indicate that at least five Baloch students were injured, with some accounts suggesting that firearms were involved. Two students sustained severe injuries, and the Baloch Students Council Lahore reported that police arrested over 20 Baloch students following the altercation.
Baloch students have expressed concerns over regular discrimination and violence they face in educational institutions across Punjab, claiming they are often racially profiled and targeted.
Mahrang Baloch emphasized the significant increase in violence against Baloch students in Punjab’s educational institutions. She criticized the university administration and police for failing to protect them, stating that instead of providing safety, authorities harassed the students, resulting in the detention of approximately ten students who remain in police custody.
Baloch concluded by urging immediate action to halt the forced disappearances of Baloch students and the violence perpetrated against them.
Doubts Revealed
Mahrang Baloch -: Mahrang Baloch is a person who speaks up for the rights of Baloch people. She tries to help them when they are in trouble.
Baloch -: Baloch refers to people from the Balochistan region, which is a part of Pakistan. They have their own culture and language.
Enforced disappearances -: Enforced disappearances mean when people are taken away secretly by the government or other groups, and no one knows where they are.
Balochistan -: Balochistan is a large area in Pakistan. It is known for its deserts and mountains, and many Baloch people live there.
Punjab -: Punjab is another region in Pakistan. It is very different from Balochistan and has many big cities and farms.
Hamid Baloch -: Hamid Baloch is a student who was taken away by force. He was studying at the University of Sargodha.
University of Sargodha -: The University of Sargodha is a place where students go to study. It is located in the city of Sargodha in Pakistan.
State agencies -: State agencies are parts of the government that have special jobs, like the police or military. Sometimes they do things secretly.
Punjab University -: Punjab University is a big school in the Punjab region where many students go to learn. It is one of the oldest universities in Pakistan.
Activist -: An activist is someone who works hard to bring about change and help people. They often speak out about problems and try to fix them.
