The Baloch Human Rights Council (BHRC) has made an appeal to the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, urging him to intervene against the repression of peaceful protests in Pakistan. The BHRC calls for urgent action to ensure the immediate release of Dr. Mahrang Baloch and other members of the Baloch Yekjehti Committee, who have been detained by Pakistani authorities.
The crackdown took place during a protest held on March 22 in Quetta, aiming to raise awareness against enforced disappearances in Balochistan. Dr. Baloch and his colleagues, noted human rights advocates, were arrested during a peaceful sit-in. According to the BHRC, the arrests violate fundamental democratic principles, prompting them to demand accountability from the Pakistani government.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province, has experienced significant unrest over the years. Activists cite concerns ranging from resource exploitation to forced displacements and state-sanctioned violence. The UN Working Group on Enforced Disappearances has reported over 1,000 unresolved cases of disappearance in the region since 2014.
The protests, organized by the aforementioned committee, faced significant government resistance as authorities in Karachi applied section 144, a colonial-era law to prevent public gatherings under the premise of security concerns. This led to the dispersion and arrest of protesters, escalating tension further in the area.
In retaliation to these arrests, the Baloch Yekjehti Committee led further protests in the region on March 25. Additionally, the UK chapter of the Baloch National Movement held a demonstration outside 10 Downing Street, requesting the British Prime Minister to address human rights violations occurring in Pakistan.
The original source contains more detailed information regarding this situation, including statements and demands presented by the BHRC to global authorities.