A delegation representing the Baloch National Movement (BNM) and its human rights wing, Paank, has formally appealed to the United Nations to intervene following the life imprisonment of Dr Mahrang Baloch. The appeal was made during a meeting in Geneva with Reem Alsalem, the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, as reported by The Balochistan Post.
Delegation Raises Concerns Over Targeting of Women Activists
The delegation raised concerns over what it described as the systematic targeting of Baloch women human rights defenders. According to The Balochistan Post, the representatives stated that women activists in Balochistan continue to face intimidation, harassment, and restrictions for their advocacy work. They maintained that the sentence imposed on Dr Mahrang Baloch was intended to silence peaceful voices demanding justice and accountability.
Call for Immediate Release and Stronger UN Engagement
The delegation urged the UN human rights expert to press for Dr Mahrang Baloch's immediate release, stressing that criminalising non-violent activism undermines fundamental rights and civic freedoms. They characterised the verdict as part of a broader pattern of pressure on Baloch civil society. In addition to seeking international attention for Dr Mahrang Baloch's case, the delegation called for stronger UN engagement to safeguard women working in the field of human rights in Balochistan.
Delegation Composition and Broader Human Rights Concerns
The delegation comprised Dr Naseem Baloch, Chairman of the Baloch National Movement; Foreign Secretary Faheem Baloch; Niaz Zehri; Hakeem Wadela; and Jamal Baloch, Media Coordinator of Paank. They presented their concerns directly to the UN Special Rapporteur, urging the international community to closely monitor human rights developments in the region. The region of Balochistan remains afflicted by a concerning trend of enforced disappearances, where some victims are eventually released while others face prolonged detention or targeted killings. These violations have heightened insecurity and distrust among the local population. The ongoing threat of arbitrary arrests and lack of accountability continue to destabilise Balochistan, eroding efforts to restore peace, justice, and public trust in state institutions.
