Dr. Mahrang Baloch Reacts to Unlawful FIR Filed Against Her and Others

QUETTA: Dr. Mahrang Baloch, the organiser of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), has condemned the filing of an unlawful FIR against her and several others following a peaceful seminar organised by the BYC in Turbat on 24 November.

The seminar, which focused on the ongoing Baloch genocide and human rights violations, was peaceful and nonviolent. However, under the directives of law enforcement agencies and higher authorities, the police took action against senior advocates and activists involved in the event.

The FIR, filed by Turbat Police, includes charges against Dr. Mahrang, a senior Baloch advocate, 70-year-old Baloch woman Amma Naseema, the family of Balach Moula Bux, Sibgatullah, and other BYC representatives.

In a statement, Dr. Baloch expressed her outrage over the incident, describing the FIR as a reflection of Pakistan’s increasing authoritarian approach towards Balochistan.

“This act is a stark reflection of Pakistan’s shift towards authoritarianism, where even peaceful seminars and gatherings are met with suppression,” Dr. Baloch said. “The state seems determined to rule Balochistan through power and violence, attempting to silence all democratic and peaceful political voices.”

Dr. Baloch also emphasised that despite the state’s efforts to stifle dissent, the Baloch people would not be silenced. “They must realise that such oppressive tactics will not deter us. We will not remain silent under any circumstances. We will continue to raise our voices for our rights and against the systematic genocide of the Baloch people,” she said.

Baloch activists, families of enforced disappearances, victims of staged encounters, and various social and political organisations continue to demand justice and a fair, transparent process to address concerns raised in peaceful gatherings across Balochistan for human rights, justice, and freedom.