Geneva: A group of UN-appointed independent human rights experts has called on the Pakistani government to immediately release detained Baloch human rights defenders and end its violent crackdown on peaceful protests. Expressing grave concern over the increasing number of arrests and enforced disappearances, the experts condemned Pakistan’s actions, particularly against members of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC).
“We have been monitoring with growing concern reports of alleged arrests and enforced disappearances of Baloch activists over the past months. The violent incidents in recent days have significantly heightened our concerns,” the experts said.
According to the UN report, on March 21, 2025, Quetta police raided a peaceful BYC protest outside the University of Balochistan, where demonstrators were demanding the release of detained activists. The police action resulted in the deaths of three individuals, multiple injuries, and dozens of arrests.
“Once again, we see excessive force used as the first response to peaceful protests,” the experts noted. “We understand the deeply traumatic impact of the March 11 terrorist attack and express our sympathy to its victims. However, arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, and violent crackdowns on freedom of assembly cannot alleviate that trauma.”
Following the police violence, BYC members organized a sit-in protest on Saryab Road in Quetta on March 22, 2025, carrying the bodies of those killed in the earlier police operation. The protest was dispersed by force, with police using batons and tear gas. Several activists, including prominent leader Dr. Mahrang Baloch, were detained. Dr. Mahrang remained missing for nearly 12 hours and was reportedly denied access to family and legal counsel. She, along with other BYC members, has been charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
On March 24, 2025, Karachi police arrested another prominent BYC leader, Sammi Deen Baloch, as she protested the ongoing crackdown. She and several activists were detained under the Sindh Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance for 30 days.
“We are extremely concerned for the welfare of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Sammi Deen Baloch, and other human rights defenders detained for exercising their right to peaceful assembly,” the experts stated. “We urge Pakistani authorities to immediately release them and refrain from misusing counter-terrorism or public safety measures against human rights defenders. The fate and whereabouts of all those subjected to enforced disappearances must be clarified without delay.”
The UN experts also called on Pakistan to align its counter-terrorism efforts with the UN’s Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and to ensure compliance with international human rights laws.
The statement was issued by a group of UN human rights experts, including Mary Lawlor (Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders) and Gabriella Citroni (Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances). They emphasized that they act in an independent capacity, and their views do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the UN or OHCHR.
The experts remain in contact with Pakistani authorities, urging immediate action to address human rights violations and ensure the safety of detained Baloch activists.
