Mahrang Baloch

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Mahrang Baloch
mahrang lango
Mahrang Lango
Born (1993-02-03) 3 February 1993 (age 32)[1]
Mangocher, Balochistan, Pakistan[1]
EducationMBBS[1]
Alma materBolan Medical College
Occupations
  • Doctor
  • Human rights activist
Years active2009–present
OrganizationBaloch Yakjehti Committee[2]
Known forActivism for the human rights of the Baloch people

Mahrang Baloch[a] (born 3 February 1993) is a Baloch human rights activist who advocates against alleged enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and other alleged human rights abuses in Balochistan, Pakistan.[3][4][5][6] Baloch leads the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC).[7] On 28 July 2024, she participated in the Baloch Raji Muchi (Baloch National Gathering) in Gwadar, an event aimed at uniting the Baloch against these alleged abuses.[8][9]

Biography

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Mahrang was born in 1993 into a Baloch family. Her father, Abdul Gaffar Langove, was an activist for Baloch nationalism[10] and spoke out against humans rights violations in Pakistan.[7] She has a brother, Nasir Baloch,[11] and several sisters, including Nadia Baloch.[12]

Baloch is a medical professional, having earned her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from Bolan Medical College in Quetta.[9] She received her MBBS degree through government funded benefits[13][14] and currently owns a house worth PKR 20 million in Quetta.[15] She has been employed at a Government hospital in Baluchistan.[16][17]

Activism

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On 12 December 2009, her father was abducted by Pakistani security forces while on his way to the hospital in Karachi, but he was later released.[3][4] At 16, she began protesting his abduction and quickly became a prominent figure in the student resistance movement.[3][4][5] In July 2011, her father was abducted again and later found dead, showing signs of torture.[3][4]

In December 2017, her brother was also abducted but was subsequently released.[4][5][18] Since then, she has emerged as a leading figure in the Baloch resistance movement,[3][4][5] protesting against the government's extraction of natural resources from Balochistan.[3][19] In 2020, she led a group of students in a protest against the proposed removal of the quota system at Bolan Medical College, which reserves spots for medical students from remote areas of the province.[3] As a result of the group's activism and hunger strikes, the proposed policy change was cancelled.[3]

Baloch has gained international support from prominent figures, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, who expressed her solidarity by tweeting, "Climate justice activists worldwide stand with Mahrang Baloch and other peaceful protesters who have been detained, tortured, and harassed by Islamabad Police for speaking out against human rights violations in Balochistan." This support emerged during the long march from Turbat to Islamabad, when Baloch women faced intense repression from state forces. Similarly, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai voiced her backing, tweeting, "I stand with my Baloch sisters who are demanding accountability for enforced disappearances. Peaceful protest is their right, and their voices must be heard." [20][21][22][23]

Recent developments

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2023 Baloch Long March

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Main article: Baloch long march

The Baloch Long March was a protest movement led by Baloch and other women activists from the Baloch Youth Congress (BYC). They journeyed from Turbat to Islamabad to protest human rights violations and enforced disappearances in Balochistan.[24][25][2] According to the BYC, the protesters were detained by the Islamabad Police.[26] Later, a bail was approved, leading to the release of some participants,[27][28][29][26] although many remained missing, according to media reports and lawyers.[30]

2024 Time magazine recognition and travel ban

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In October 2024, Time magazine named Baloch one of the 100 emerging influential leaders of the year, recognising her extraordinary courage in opposing state oppression and her relentless advocacy against enforced disappearances and human rights violations in Balochistan.[31][32] However, she was barred from traveling to New York City for a Time event and faced harassment at Jinnah International Airport. While returning home with Sammi Baloch, she endured further harassment from FIA officials, who confiscated her passport and mobile phone and attempted to abduct her. According to her lawyer, it was discovered that the Government of Pakistan had quietly added her to the Pakistan National Identity List (PNIL), a registry for individuals suspected of involvement in criminal activities such as terrorism, money laundering, and fraud – just days after she appeared on Time magazine's influential list on 3 October.[33][34] In response, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan called for "freedom of movement" for Baloch, while Mary Lawlor, a UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defender, expressed deep concern on social media about the incident, citing reports of "harassment, intimidation and mistreatment".[35]

Political harassment

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On 11 October 2024, just days after Baloch was barred from traveling abroad, an anti-terrorism case was filed against her in the Malir District of Qaidabad by a local businessman. The complainant in the first information report accused Baloch of "inciting violence in his area", despite the Quaidabad station house officer being unable to confirm any such activities by Baloch or her colleagues.[36][37] Baloch dismissed the charges as fabricated, attributing the case to the state's discomfort with her activism. She stated that such reports aim to intimidate those involved in their collective struggle.[36]

2025 Arrest

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Main article: 2025 Balochistan protests

On 22 March 2025, Baloch was arrested during a raid on a sit-in protest in Quetta. The Balochistan government accused her and other BYC activists of orchestrating an attack on Quetta Civil Hospital and inciting violence. On March 22, 2025, a violent protest broke out in Quetta when the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), led by Mahrang Baloch, attempted to take over the corpses of Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) militants killed in the Jaffar Express train attack. As per police report, the protesters stormed Civil Hospital Quetta and forcibly took possession of the militants bodies.[38][39] Her arrest took place during a wider police crackdown on BYC demonstrations against enforced disappearances.[40][41][42]

International Condemnation

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The arrest sparked international condemnation from human rights organizations and prominent figures, including Malala Yousafzai and the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, who called for her immediate release.[43]

In a statement issued on 26 March 2025, a group of independent United Nations human rights experts expressed deep concern over the detention of Mahrang Baloch. The experts criticized the Pakistani authorities for allegedly using arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and excessive force in response to peaceful protests. They called for the immediate release of Baloch and others detained, urging the government to refrain from misusing counter-terrorism measures against human rights activists and to clarify the whereabouts of those allegedly subjected to enforced disappearance.[44]

Mistreatment during imprisonment

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On 23 March 2025, following her arrest , Mahrang Baloch was detained at Hudda District Prison under conditions described by her family and legal team as harsh and unlawful. According to her sister, Nadia Baloch, she appeared “weak and stressed” during a brief visit, and authorities denied her access to legal counsel and barred food brought by her family. She was reportedly held in isolation and not informed of any formal charges. Her lawyer, Imran Baloch, stated that the state had escalated its actions against her following her inclusion in the TIME100 Next list and her nomination for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.[43]

Controversy

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Pakistani authorities have labeled Mahrang Baloch as an instigator of anti-state sentiments. The government has accused her of promoting these sentiments and inciting unrest. In January 2024, an FIR was filed against her under Section 124-A (sedition) of the Pakistan Penal Code, alleging that her speeches criticised the state and could provoke public disorder. Officials claimed that her statements threatened national security and stability in Balochistan.[citation needed] In February 2024, government spokesperson Aqeel Malik expressed concerns regarding the BYC, suggesting that the group's protests and demonstrations extended beyond human rights advocacy, incorporating narratives that could be perceived as challenging state authority. Additionally, he alluded to the possibility of foreign influence shaping their activism.[45][46] Critics further argue that BYC serves as a soft front of militant organizations like Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).[47]

Following her arrest on 22 March 2025, authorities linked Baloch to protests in Quetta, where clashes erupted between demonstrators and security forces. Officials claimed that a demonstration against enforced disappearances escalated into violence, with slogans and actions considered anti-state. However, human rights organisations and her supporters have refuted these allegations, asserting that the protests remained peaceful and that she is being unjustly targeted. While the Government of Pakistan views her activism as a potential challenge to national unity, her advocates argue that she is highlighting humanitarian concerns in Balochistan. These contrasting narratives underscore the broader tensions surrounding activism in the region.[48][49] During a press conference addressing news reporters, the Director General, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt. Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhary accused Mahrang Baloch led BYC movement of defaming law enforcement agencies fighting against terrorism, criminal mafias and extortionists and to create controversy around development projects in Baluchistan.[50] Critics also claim that Baloch has remained silent on terrorist attacks committed by BLA and BLF in Baluchistan.[51][52] On 23 May 2025, while addressing a presser, the Director General ISPR declared Mahrang Baloch a "terrorist-proxy".[53] In response to the claims, Farhatullah Babar, the head of Pakistan People's Party Human Rights Committee warned against labelling Mahrang Baloch or anyone associated with her “a terrorist” without evidence or trial.[54] Baloch stated that allegations made by the Director General ISPR were "unsubstantiated" and her message was distorted.[54]

Awards and nominations

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In December 2024, Baloch was included in the BBC's 100 Women list.[55] Time magazine also named Baloch in its TIME100 Next list,[31] which "spotlights 100 rising stars who are shaping the future of business, entertainment, sports, politics, science, health and more".[56]

In March 2025, Baloch confirmed through X that she has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025.[57]

Notes

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  1. ^ Balochi: mahrang lango; Urdu: mahrang lango

References

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  1. ^ a b c Siddiqui, Huma (29 July 2024). "Mahrang Baloch: The Face of Balochistan". financialexpress.com. Financial Express. Retrieved 8 April 2025.
  2. ^ a b Zaman, Sarah (20 December 2023). "Baloch Activists March to Pakistani Capital to Demand End to Extrajudicial Killings". Voice of America. Voice of America. Archived from the original on 22 December 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Baloch, Shah Meer (18 February 2021). "Mahrang Baloch and the Struggle Against Enforced Disappearances". South Asian Avant-Garde. Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Veengas (28 May 2022). "The Assault by Pakistan on Baloch People's Rights Has Now Reached Women". The Wire India. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
  5. ^ a b c d Baloch, Shah Meer (12 November 2021). "Women lead fight against extrajudicial killing in Pakistan". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
  6. ^ Bin Javaid, Osama (4 May 2022). "Why are people disappearing in Balochistan?" (Podcast, 20 min 12 sec). The Take by Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
  7. ^ a b Hussain, Zahid (31 July 2024). "Trouble in Balochistan". Dawn. Archived from the original on 7 August 2024. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  8. ^ "Why protest by ethnic Baloch has put Pakistan's key port of Gwadar on edge". Al Jazeera. 31 July 2024. Archived from the original on 5 August 2024. Retrieved 5 August 2024.
  9. ^ a b Ebrahim, Zofeen T. (31 August 2024). "'She has won our hearts and minds': can one woman unite the Baloch people in peaceful resistance?". The Guardian. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  10. ^ "Balochistan: One Province, Two Wars". Newsline. 29 August 2011. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
  11. ^ Baloch, Mahrang (8 February 2024). "A new chapter in the Baloch struggle for justice in Pakistan". aljazeera.com. Al Jazeera. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  12. ^ Zehri, Abdullah (26 April 2025). "Mahrang's sister seeks CJP's 'urgent intervention' against alleged mistreatment of detained BYC leaders". dawn.com. Dawn. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  13. ^ "The Illusion of Victimhood". Daily Times. 23 March 2025. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
  14. ^ Desk, Web (23 March 2025). "Mahrang Baloch: A Curious Case of Emotional Manipulation". Daily The Patriot. Retrieved 18 May 2025. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  15. ^ "Unmasking the anti-state agenda: The truth behind the Quetta unrest". The Nation. 25 March 2025. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
  16. ^ "Dr Mahrang Baloch faces backlash for neglecting patients". Dunya News. 19 October 2024. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
  17. ^ TV, SAMAA (19 May 2025). "Dr Mahrang Lango under fire over alleged patient neglect amid travel plans". SAMAA TV. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
  18. ^ "Balochistan: Son of slain Baloch political activist abducted from Quetta". Balochwarna/>. Archived from the original on 31 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  19. ^ "Pakistan: Activist Mahrang urges IOPC's 'undivided attention' to sufferings of Baloch people - www.lokmattimes.com". Lokmat English. 24 January 2024. Archived from the original on 24 January 2024. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  20. ^ "HRCP demands probe into 'state crackdown' on Baloch protesters". dawn.com. Dawn. 23 December 2023. Retrieved 25 March 2025.
  21. ^ Mirza, Jaffer (28 September 2024). "How the Baloch Struggle Went Mainstream". thediplomat.com. The Diplomat. Retrieved 25 March 2025.
  22. ^ Aamir, Adnan (3 January 2024). "Pakistan women protesting disappearances tap anti-establishment mood". asia.nikkei.com. Nikkei Asia. Retrieved 25 March 2025.
  23. ^ "Greta, Malala shower support for Baloch women protesters in Islamabad". samaa.tv. Samaa TV. 23 December 2023. Retrieved 25 March 2025.
  24. ^ Baloch, Kiyya (19 December 2024). "Women Are Leading an Unprecedented Protest Movement in Balochistan". thediplomat.com. The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 22 December 2023. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
  25. ^ "As Baloch Women Raise Their Voices, the State Cracks Down". thediplomat.com. Archived from the original on 22 December 2023. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
  26. ^ a b Ahmed, Munir (25 December 2023). "Pakistani police free 290 Baloch activists arrested while protesting extrajudicial killings". apnews.com. Associated Press. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
  27. ^ Rao, Shahid (30 November 2023). "22 out of over 50 missing Baloch students recovered, IHC told". nation.com.pk. The Nation (Pakistan). Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  28. ^ Sigamony, Terence J. (30 November 2023). "IHC told: 22 out of over 50 missing Baloch students recovered". brecorder.com. Business Recorder. Archived from the original on 31 May 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  29. ^ Jannat, Zarghona (24 December 2023). "Baloch Protesters Released: Islamabad's Bail Approval". Markhor Times. Archived from the original on 28 December 2023. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
  30. ^ "22 out of over 50 missing Baloch students recovered, IHC told". The Nation. 30 November 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  31. ^ a b Ewe, Koh (2 October 2024). "2024 TIME100 Next: Mahrang Baloch". TIME. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  32. ^ "Dr Mahrang Baloch named one of Time's most influential people of 2024". Dawn. 2 October 2024. Retrieved 4 October 2024.
  33. ^ Serhan, Yasmeen (8 October 2024). "Pakistan Bars Activist From Traveling to TIME Event Honoring Her". TIME. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
  34. ^ "Woman Human Rights Defender Dr. Mahrang Baloch Prevented from Traveling". Front Line Defenders. 7 October 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
  35. ^ "HRCP demands 'freedom of movement' after Mahrang Baloch allegedly stopped from flying to US". Dawn. 8 October 2024. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  36. ^ a b Ali, Imtiaz (12 October 2024). "Mahrang Baloch booked in terrorism case days after being 'barred' from flying abroad". Dawn. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
  37. ^ "Mahrang Baloch booked in case over 'terrorism facilitation'". Samaa TV. 14 October 2024. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
  38. ^ Correspondent, Our (22 March 2025). "BLA's proxy exploits train attack". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 18 May 2025. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  39. ^ "Dr Mahrang Baloch among 150 booked for terrorism, rebellion, murder". www.thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
  40. ^ Baloch, Abdullah Zehri; Notezai, Muhammad Akbar; Baloch, Behram (22 March 2025). "BYC leadership arrested over Civil Hospital 'violence': Balochistan govt spokesperson Rind". dawn.com. Dawn. Retrieved 22 March 2025.
  41. ^ "Police arrest Baloch activist Mahrang during Quetta protest". timesofkarachi.pk. Times Of Karachi. 22 March 2025. Retrieved 22 March 2025.
  42. ^ Shahid, Saleem (24 March 2025). "Mahrang, other BYC leaders face terror charges". dawn.com. Dawn. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
  43. ^ a b Vick, Karl (25 March 2025). "Pakistan Jails Baloch Human Rights Activist". TIME. Retrieved 27 May 2025.
  44. ^ Dawn.com (26 March 2025). "UN experts demand release of detained Baloch activists, end to crackdown on protests". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 27 May 2025.
  45. ^ "Case filed against Baloch activist Dr Mahrang Baloch in Khairpur". thenews.com.pk. The News International. 6 January 2024. Retrieved 25 March 2025.
  46. ^ Angaria, Waqas Alam (10 January 2024). "Dr Mahrang using Baloch protests in bid to move abroad: minister". geo.tv. Geo News. Retrieved 25 March 2025.
  47. ^ "Unmasking the Propaganda War in Balochistan". Daily Times. 29 April 2025. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
  48. ^ "Islamabad says will engage with prominent Baloch rights movement provided no 'ulterior motive'". arabnews.pk. Arab News. 27 February 2025. Retrieved 25 March 2025.
  49. ^ Antonopoulos, Paul (30 October 2024). "Baloch Activist Mahrang Baloch Lambasts Pakistani Govt For Including Her Name In Anti-terror Watchlist". greekcitytimes.com. Greek City Times. Retrieved 25 March 2025.
  50. ^ Correspondent, Our (5 August 2024). "BYC is a proxy of terrorists, says ISPR". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 18 May 2025. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  51. ^ DTD- (20 November 2024). "The Silence of the Mahrang Baloch Amidst Terrorism in Balochistan -". Retrieved 18 May 2025.
  52. ^ "The Silence Of Mahrang: Unveiling The Real Atrocities In Baluchistan OpEd". Eurasia Review. 19 January 2025. Archived from the original on 9 February 2025. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
  53. ^ "Mahrang Baloch acts as terrorist proxy: DG ISPR". ARY NEWS. 23 May 2025. Retrieved 27 May 2025.
  54. ^ a b Zehri, Abdullah (25 May 2025). "Ex-senator Farhatullah Babar warns against 'unilaterally declaring activists terrorists'". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 27 May 2025.
  55. ^ "BBC 100 Women 2024: Who is on the list this year?". BBC. 3 December 2024. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  56. ^ Felsenthal, Edward. "How We Chose the 2019 TIME 100 Next". TIME. Time magazine. Retrieved 26 March 2025.
  57. ^ "Woman leader of Baloch rights movement says nominated for Nobel Peace Prize". Arab News. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
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