Geneva: Mary Lawlor, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, has expressed grave concern over the alleged state-backed harassment of Baloch leader and human rights activist Dr. Sabiha Baloch in Pakistan.
In a recent statement, Lawlor stated she had received credible reports indicating that Dr. Sabiha Baloch faces imminent arrest in Pakistan. She further noted that, in apparent retaliation for Dr. Baloch’s human rights work, authorities have also detained her father.
Lawlor called on Pakistani authorities in Balochistan to immediately cease all retaliatory actions against Dr. Baloch and to ensure she can carry out her human rights activities freely and without fear of persecution.
Lawlor said “Targeting human rights defenders with state harassment is unacceptable, addressing the Pakistani mission in Geneva.She said “Dr. Sabhia Baloch must be allowed to work independently in the protection and promotion of human rights.”
Recent reports from Balochistan reveal that Pakistani forces have been conducting raids across various areas of Quetta in an attempt to detain Dr. Sabhia Baloch, who is affiliated with the Baloch Yakjehti Committee. Earlier, her father was reportedly arrested in Hub, further raising concerns about systematic pressure on activists’ families.
The international human rights community is closely monitoring the situation, urging Pakistan to uphold its commitments under international human rights law.
