Mahrang Baloch Urges Action Against Internet Blackout in Dalbandin

Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch has called on human rights organizations to address the internet blackout in Dalbandin, Pakistan. She urged the international community to intervene and ensure the restoration of internet services while safeguarding the fundamental rights of the Baloch people.

In a post on X, Mahrang Baloch expressed concern over the internet shutdown, stating, "I appeal to human rights organizations to immediately take notice of the internet blackout in Dalbandin and actively intervene to prevent a potential crackdown on the peaceful Baloch national gathering. Such actions not only stifle freedom of expression and assembly but also set a dangerous precedent of suppressing dissent through force and digital censorship."

She further urged these organizations to pressure authorities to restore internet services without delay and ensure that the fundamental rights of the Baloch people to assemble peacefully and voice their concerns are respected. Mahrang Baloch emphasized that the international community must not remain silent in the face of these repressive measures, as their silence could embolden further human rights violations in Balochistan.

The internet blackout comes just days before Baloch Genocide Remembrance Day, scheduled for January 25, when the people of Balochistan plan to protest ongoing atrocities. Concerns are rising that the government may use violence to suppress peaceful opposition in Dalbandin. The shutdown limits the Baloch people's ability to record and share their experiences of human rights violations, as communication routes are cut off.

Previously, similar internet restrictions were imposed during the Baloch National Gathering in Gwadar in July last year, where organizers and attendees were brutally suppressed afterwards.