* An article by Farhád Baloch *
The criminalization of Baloch human rights activism in Pakistan has a complex historical and political context, largely shaped by colonial legacies and reinforced by state policies since the 1948 forced occupation of Balochistan. Successive Pakistani governments have framed Baloch demands for rights, representation, and resource control as national security threats rather than legitimate concerns. This approach has led to systematic repression of Baloch activists, who are often labeled as “separatists” or terrorists, facing severe repercussions for their advocacy.
Enforced Disappearances and “Missing Persons” Issue: One of the gravest issues in Balochistan is the enforced disappearances of activists, students and community leaders. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, report that thousands have disappeared, allegedly at the hands of Pakistan’s security forces. Families of missing persons hold ongoing protests, seeking justice and accountability, but the state’s response has been minimal, and the practice continues unabated.
Use of Terrorism Allegations to Suppress Activis: The Pakistani government frequently labels indigenous Baloch activists as terrorists, especially those advocating for independence or increased autonomy. This classification allows the use of counter-terrorism laws, enabling security forces to detain activists without warrants, subject them to surveillance, and restrict their freedoms. One commonly misused law is the fourth schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), which places individuals on a watchlist based on vague or insufficient evidence. Those on this list face limitations on movement, financial transactions, and association with others, effectively criminalizing peaceful advocacy.
Banning of Organizations and Media Blackouts: Several Baloch organizations promoting liberation have been outlawed and labeled as terrorist entities, complicating legitimate activism. Media coverage of Balochistan is tightly controlled, with journalists facing harassment, threats, and even targeted violence and assassination, allegedly by state actors. The lack of media access makes it challenging to highlight human rights abuses in the region, allowing the state to dominate the narrative.
Mahrang Baloch and Sami Deen Baloch, prominent Baloch rights activists, have been prevented by the Pakistani state from traveling internationally to advocate for Baloch rights. Both activists work tirelessly to raise awareness about the plight of the Baloch people, including issues like enforced disappearances, human rights abuses, and political repression in Balochistan. The state’s restrictions on their travel aim to prevent international exposure of these concerns, as their advocacy could bring unwanted scrutiny and pressure on Pakistan regarding its policies in Balochistan. By blocking their ability to engage globally, the state seeks to limit the dissemination of information on alleged rights abuses and maintain control over the narrative surrounding the Baloch people’s struggle.
Military Operations and Civilian Suffering: The Pakistani military has conducted numerous operations in Balochistan, ostensibly targeting free liberation militants. However, these operations often lead to civilian casualties, displacement, and property destruction. Heavy military presence, with checkpoints and constant surveillance, fosters a climate of intimidation, anxiety, limiting movement and gathering spaces for activists.
Targeting Families and Economic Isolation: The families of Baloch activists often face harassment, arbitrary arrests, home raids, and detentions, used as pressure tactics to discourage activism. Families are frequently labeled as traitors, leading to social and economic ostracism. By isolating activists and their support networks, the state further curtails Baloch activism.
Online Surveillance and Harassment: Digital spaces are also monitored closely, with Baloch activists using social media facing surveillance and, at times, charges under Pakistan’s cybercrime laws. Cyber harassment is common, with state-affiliated accounts and trolls attempting to silence and discredit Baloch voices.
Implications of the Internet Shutdown,Suppression of Information: The internet shutdown effectively silenced the voices of the Baloch people and prevented the dissemination of real-time information and evidence of state repression. This making it difficult for local activists and civilians to share their experiences and seek support from internationalist solidarity movements and media outlets.
Human Rights Violations
The lack of internet access further exacerbated the human rights situation. With limited communication, families of the abducted individuals and victims of violence were unable to coordinate responses, seek legal assistance, or inform the world about their plight. This isolation deepened the vulnerability of the indigenous Baloch community.
Suspicious Deaths of Exiled Activists: Two prominent Baloch activists, Karima Baloch and Sajid Hussain, faced tragic deaths under suspicious circumstances abroad. Karima, a human rights advocate, was found dead in Toronto in December 2020, and Sajid, a journalist, was discovered in a river near Uppsala, Sweden, in March 2020. Their deaths raised serious concerns, as many believe they were targeted for their activism.
Targeting of Exiled Activists and International Advocacy: The Pakistani government’s efforts to suppress Baloch activism have even extended internationally, with exiled Baloch activists reporting pressure, threats, and disinformation campaigns from the Pakistani state. These activists continue to call for international accountability, but Pakistan’s strategic geopolitical role often complicates global responses, limiting external support for Baloch human rights.
The fight for indigenous Baloch human rights in Pakistan is one of the region’s most contentious and dangerous struggles, with activists facing extensive criminalisation, repression, and violence. The state’s approach reflects a legacy of colonial repression, reinforced by national security policies. Despite the challenges, Baloch activists and human rights organizations persist in raising international awareness, advocating for accountability and protection for the Baloch people. The international community’s role is essential in addressing these human rights concerns, yet strategic interests often hinder effective action. Now, more than ever, the fight for indigenous Baloch calls for internationalist solidarity — let’s unite our fight to support the Baloch people in their struggle for justice and freedom.
Resources, educational / Informational:
Organizations:
Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC)
Human rights council of Balochistan (HRCB)
Baloch Student Organisation Azad
© privat Kamanchar Baluch
