Introduction
Mahrang Baloch is a prominent Baloch human rights activist, medical professional, and one of the leading figures in the movement for Baloch rights in Pakistan. Known for her fearless advocacy against enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and state oppression in Balochistan, she has become a symbol of resistance for the Baloch people.
Her activism has gained national and international attention, particularly through her involvement in protests, social media campaigns, and organizing movements to demand justice for victims of state violence.
Early Life and Education
Mahrang Baloch was born in Quetta, Balochistan, into a politically active family. Her father, Abdul Ghaffar Baloch, was a well-known Baloch nationalist and activist who was forcibly disappeared in 2009 and later found dead under mysterious circumstances. His death deeply influenced Mahrang’s political awakening.
Despite facing threats and harassment, Mahrang pursued her education and earned a degree in medicine (MBBS). She balanced her medical career with activism, using her platform to highlight human rights abuses in Balochistan.
Activism and Political Struggle
1. Campaign Against Enforced Disappearances
Balochistan has long been a hotspot for enforced disappearances, where security agencies allegedly abduct Baloch activists, students, and civilians without due process. Mahrang has been at the forefront of protests demanding the recovery of missing persons.
- In 2019, she co-founded the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), an organization advocating for missing persons and victims of state violence.
- She has led numerous protests in Quetta, Islamabad, and Karachi, often facing police crackdowns and arrests.
2. The Turbat Long March (2023-2024)
One of Mahrang’s most significant campaigns was the Turbat Long March, which began in November 2023 after the extrajudicial killing of Balaach Mola Bakhsh, a Baloch youth detained by security forces.
- The march started in Turbat and moved towards Islamabad, covering over 1,600 km, with hundreds of Baloch protesters joining.
- The protesters demanded:
- An end to enforced disappearances
- Accountability for extrajudicial killings
- An independent UN investigation into human rights abuses in Balochistan
- Despite state intimidation, the march gained widespread media coverage and solidarity from rights groups.
3. International Advocacy
Mahrang has worked to bring global attention to Balochistan’s crisis:
- She has spoken at international forums, including webinars with European and UN-affiliated organizations.
- Her social media presence (Twitter/X, Instagram) amplifies Baloch voices, countering state narratives.
Challenges and State Repression
Mahrang’s activism has made her a target:
- Arrests and Harassment: She has been detained multiple times, including during protests in Islamabad.
- Online Smear Campaigns: Pro-state media and accounts have accused her of being “anti-Pakistan” or linked to separatist groups.
- Security Threats: Many Baloch activists have been killed or disappeared, making her work extremely dangerous.
Despite these risks, she continues her struggle, stating:
“Our protest is not against Pakistan, but against the injustices faced by the Baloch people.”
Legacy and Impact
Mahrang Baloch represents a new generation of Baloch activists who combine grassroots mobilization with digital advocacy. Her efforts have:
- Increased awareness of Balochistan’s human rights crisis.
- Inspired youth, especially Baloch women, to join the movement.
- Pressured authorities, though tangible policy changes remain limited.
Conclusion
Mahrang Baloch’s courage and persistence make her one of the most influential Baloch activists today. While Pakistan’s establishment continues its heavy-handed policies in Balochistan, voices like hers ensure that the world does not ignore the plight of the Baloch people.
Her struggle underscores a fundamental demand: justice, accountability, and the right to live with dignity.
References & Further Reading:
- Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) statements
- Human Rights Watch & Amnesty International reports on Balochistan
- Interviews and speeches by Mahrang Baloch
Source : Deep Seek
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