Human Rights Violations and Political Repression in Balochistan: Baloch Unity Committee Chairperson’s Family Speaks Out

Quetta: Nadia Baloch, the sister of Baloch Unity Committee Chairperson, along with Iqra Baloch and Advocate Imran Baloch, held an emergency press conference at the Quetta Press Club to address the ongoing human rights violations and political repression in Balochistan. They reported that between 115 and 125 individuals have been detained across various police stations and jails, despite having secured bail through the courts. The authorities are preventing them from being released or meeting their families.

They expressed concern about the treatment of Dr. Maherang Baloch, a prominent human rights activist, who is being subjected to mental and physical torment in detention. According to them, such actions by the state are part of an effort to suppress voices advocating for fundamental human rights in Balochistan, a practice that has been ongoing for decades.

The speakers emphasized that Dr. Maherang is not a criminal but a leading human rights advocate, and her imprisonment is based on false charges and political pressure. They drew parallels with the wrongful imprisonment of their father in the past, followed by his enforced disappearance. Nadia Baloch recounted how her family has been subjected to state-sponsored harassment, with their father’s body being returned after years of suffering. She pointed out that the state’s continuous efforts to suppress dissent and silence the voices of the oppressed cannot break the spirit of the Baloch people.

They further condemned the illegal and inhumane treatment of their family members and other detainees. Despite court orders for their release, state officials continue to deny them visits, with family members being allowed only limited access after repeated efforts. They also reported that Dr. Maherang Baloch, who is being held in a jail, has been denied access to food from her family, leading to health complications. Surveillance cameras have been installed in the jail as part of an increasing effort to control and intimidate detainees.

The speakers made it clear that such oppressive tactics will not deter their peaceful political struggle for justice. They called on human rights organizations, politicians, and every section of society to raise their voices against the state’s inhumane treatment of Baloch political prisoners. They also expressed concerns for Dr. Maherang’s safety, fearing that the authorities might harm her.

Imran Baloch, Advocate, also mentioned that they filed a writ petition in court for the release of the detainees, and the authorities have claimed that their arrest was made under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance. He confirmed that 115 to 125 people have been detained in various areas, including the Electric Road, Cantonment, Sariab, and Quetta Jail. Official confirmation of the detention of 48 people, including two women, has been received.

Furthermore, the families of the detainees are concerned that their loved ones, including Beberk Baloch, who is ill, are being denied medical treatment and visits.

The family reiterated that their peaceful struggle for political rights will continue, and no amount of state repression will silence them or the people of Balochistan in their fight for justice and human dignity.