Sadia Baloch Says Her Suspension Order Is Politically Motivated

QUETTA: Baloch social activist Sadia Baloch from Dera Ghazi Khan, Balochistan has publicly raised concerns over a recent notification from Punjab University, which accuses her of misconduct and inciting other students against the state.

In a post on social media, Baloch described the university’s allegations as baseless and politically motivated.

According to Sadia Baloch, the university’s notice accuses her of using the institution’s platform to “pollute the minds of students against the state,” which the university claims has damaged its reputation and integrity.

The activist highlighted that the notice references a protest that took place two months ago, with the issuance date marked as June 14. However, she only received the notice on August 12, 2024, when she visited the Law Department at Punjab University.

Baloch said the notice was deliberately backdated to justify punitive actions against her, following her participation in the Baloch Raaji Muchi (Baloch National Gathering) in Gwadar.

She charged that the state’s forces and administration are targeting participants of the Raaji Muchi and that educational institutions are complicit in penalising Baloch students for their peaceful political activities.

“The inappropriate language and words used against me in the notice are a question mark on the so-called discipline and values of the institution,” Baloch stated, expressing concern over the timing of the notice, which comes just a week before her annual exams.

She argued that this was an attempt to deliberately harm her academic career and attack her personal and moral character.

Baloch has called on Punjab University to adhere to the state’s negotiations with the Baloch Yakjehti Council (BYC) and to immediately cancel the suspension order. She also demanded the withdrawal of the baseless allegations against her.