The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has condemned the incident where Dr Mahrang Baloch banned from traveling abroad, allegedly barred by authorities. The HRCP demanded “freedom of movement” for the Dr Mahrang Baloch activist after she was reportedly offloaded by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport while attempting to board a flight to the United States. Dr Mahrang Baloch was scheduled to attend a Time magazine gala as part of its prestigious ‘2024 Time100 Next’ list.
Dr Mahrang, who leads the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, was recognized by Time magazine for her peaceful advocacy for the rights of Dr Mahrang Baloch people, making her one of the few Pakistanis to feature in the international magazine’s list of 100 young individuals making a global impact. The list highlights individuals across various sectors—advocacy, arts, and athletics—who are reshaping the future and breaking new ground. Her inclusion on this list underscores her significant contributions to human rights, particularly in the context of Balochistan’s struggle.
However, instead of attending the event, Dr Mahrang Baloch faced an alarming situation when she was prevented from boarding her flight. In a statement, the HRCP expressed deep concern over the incident, condemning it as a violation of her fundamental rights. According to reports, no clear reason was provided by the authorities, and despite not being on the Exit Control List (ECL), her passport and mobile phone were confiscated.
The HRCP reiterated that the actions against Dr Mahrang Baloch represent a serious breach of her right to freedom of movement and expression, rights that are protected under both national and international human rights laws. The commission lauded her tireless efforts to bring attention to human rights abuses in Balochistan and stressed that such actions only undermine the credibility of Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of its citizens.
UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Mary Lawlor, also voiced her concern about the alleged incident, highlighting the intimidation, harassment, and mistreatment that Dr Mahrang Baloch reportedly experienced at the hands of law enforcement authorities. Mary Lawlor called for an immediate resolution to the matter and emphasized the need for protecting human rights defenders, especially those facing unjust restrictions.
During a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, Dr Mahrang Baloch provided more details about the ordeal. She stated that after being offloaded, she and her companions were harassed by security forces on their way back from the airport. Describing the incident as “inhumane,” she pointed out that she was targeted solely due to her activism. Her work on human rights issues, particularly the plight of missing persons in Balochistan, has made her a prominent figure both nationally and internationally.
Dr Mahrang Baloch first came into the limelight in 2009 when her father, Ghaffar Longove, was forcibly disappeared from Karachi. His body was discovered in 2011, a victim of an alleged enforced disappearance, a tragedy that pushed her into activism.
Over the years, she has led protests and sit-ins demanding justice for the hundreds of missing persons in Balochistan, including a major demonstration in Islamabad in December 2023. That protest saw a violent crackdown by the police, with over 200 protesters being arrested, though they were released after the intervention of the high court.
The situation in Balochistan continues to be dire. According to a report issued in July 2024, nearly 200 new cases of enforced disappearances were reported in the first half of this year alone, with the majority coming from Balochistan. Dr Mahrang Baloch’s activism has been central in highlighting these issues, but her continued harassment by the authorities raises significant concerns about the government’s commitment to human rights.
As the situation develops, the HRCP and international human rights organizations are calling for immediate action to allow Dr Mahrang Baloch the right to travel freely and continue her important work without facing intimidation or restrictions.
