Mahrang Baloch's Battle: A Voice for Justice From Behind Bars

Mahrang Baloch, a prominent Baloch rights activist, recently accused the Pakistani government of suppressing peaceful dissent through imprisonment, smear campaigns, and enforced disappearances. Her claims were published in The Balochistan Post, reportedly from her cell in Quetta's Hudda Jail.

Baloch asserted that she has faced every tactic by state security agencies to silence her since her arrest over two months ago. Despite being offered freedom in exchange for her silence and renouncement of political activities, Baloch refuses to comply. She insists there's no evidence linking her to violence, noting that her detention followed a press conference condemning a train hijacking by Baloch separatists, where she differentiated between armed confrontation and peaceful protest.

Baloch disclosed international repercussions resulting from her activism, recounting harassment during a visit to Norway, an incident involving alleged Pakistani embassy officials. Upon her return, she faced charges of sedition. Highlighting Balochistan's ongoing struggles, Baloch emphasizes the region's systemic denial of basic rights and economic disenfranchisement despite its resource wealth. She concludes with her commitment to continue speaking against state violence and advocating for justice.

(With inputs from agencies.)