Pakistani Government Files FIR Against Baloch Activist Maharang Baloch Amid Protests for Zaheer Baloch’s Release
Quetta, Pakistan – The Pakistani government has filed an FIR against prominent Baloch rights activists, including Maharang Baloch, who are demanding the release of people who have been forcibly abducted. This action comes as many protestors rally for the safe return of Zaheer Ahmed Baloch, who was taken by Pakistani forces last month.
The activists are accused of causing chaos and damaging public property. Maharang Baloch stated, “The government of Balochistan has filed two FIRs against peaceful protesters including me. These are old tactics to silence those who are peacefully fighting for their rights. The law should protect the masses, but instead, the state has been using the law against people who believe in democracy and peaceful human rights struggles.”
In another statement, Maharang Baloch mentioned that discussions were held with the administration during the ongoing sit-in for Zaheer Baloch’s release. She noted that an FIR was filed against Zaheer Baloch’s enforced disappearance, and of the 21 protesters detained on July 11, 15 were released, with the remaining 6 to be released after the courts open on Monday.
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) condemned the FIR, calling it propaganda against Maharang Baloch. They stated, “Propaganda is being spread on social media against Baloch Yakjehti Committee Organizer, Mahrang Baloch for inciting violence. This is only a tool to justify police violence against peaceful protestors.” The BYC also highlighted that Quetta Police injured more than 27 peaceful protestors, including women and children, and refused to register an FIR against the CTD for Zaheer Baloch’s abduction.
The BYC stressed that violent groups vandalizing public property are not linked to Zaheer Baloch’s protest or the BYC and are backed by the government to malign political workers. They added that the sit-in for Zaheer’s release will continue at Secretariat Chowk until the government meets the family’s demands. Maharang Baloch called on the Baloch community to support Zaheer’s family and protest against Quetta police violence.
