Baloch Rights Leader Arrested During Protest in Quetta, Pakistan

Baloch human rights leader Dr. Mahrang Baloch was arrested in Quetta, Pakistan, early Saturday morning while participating in a sit-in protest against alleged atrocities against the Baloch community. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) reported on X that the arrest occurred during a crackdown on the protest, which was held in response to the abduction-like arrests of other BYC leaders, including Bebigar Baloch, Dr. Hamal Dr. Ilyas, and Saeed Baloch.

The protest, held in the Sariab area of Quetta, was met with violence from Pakistani police and state agencies, resulting in the deaths of three Baloch youth and injuries to dozens. The BYC condemned the actions as “state terrorism.” Following the violence, the BYC began a sit-in with the bodies of the slain youth, which was subsequently attacked by authorities. Dr. Baloch and her associates were arrested, and the bodies were removed from the protest site.

Dr. Baloch had previously called for a shutdown of Balochistan in protest against the Pakistani government’s actions. The ongoing conflict in Balochistan is marked by demands for greater autonomy, control over natural resources, and improved socioeconomic conditions. Baloch nationalist groups seek independence or enhanced rights, while the Pakistani government has responded with military interventions.