Mahrang Baloch detained amid Balochistan protests
- Mahrang Baloch and 17 others were arrested during a sit-in demanding the release of detained activists.
- The protest resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals, with conflicting accounts from both sides.
- The ongoing repression against Baloch activists raises concerns about the state's treatment of its civilian population.
On March 24, 2025, in Balochistan, Pakistan, a leading female rights activist, Mahrang Baloch, was detained along with 17 other protesters during a sit-in outside the University of Balochistan. This protest was held to demand the release of members of their support group allegedly detained by security agencies. The protest turned violent, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals, with both security forces and protesters blaming each other for the escalation. Mahrang Baloch, a prominent advocate for the Baloch ethnic group's rights, has a history of campaigning against what is perceived as state-sponsored harassment, arrests, and violence directed at her community. The Pakistani government claims its military operations in the province target separatists who allegedly engage in militant activities, while human rights organizations argue that these operations disproportionately harm innocent civilians. The clash during the protest is not an isolated incident. Recently, Balochistan has witnessed increasing unrest and violence, including a significant train siege that resulted in numerous casualties. Local activists accuse the state of employing heavy-handed tactics, which only serve to further alienate the local population and reinforce the grievances held by many Baloch people against the authorities. The conflict in Balochistan has deep historical roots tied to issues of resource extraction, governance, and civil rights. Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has called for an end to the use of force against peaceful demonstrators, urging the government to address the fundamental political issues that fuel unrest. The recent actions against Mahrang Baloch and her supporters further ignite tensions and present a challenge for the state to engage constructively with its citizens rather than through violence and repression. As the situation in Balochistan continues to evolve, the broader implications for Pakistan’s stability and governance remain a pressing concern.