Turbat, Balochistan: Central organizer of the Baloch Women Forum, Dr. Shalee Baloch, while addressing a press conference at Turbat Press Club today alongside her colleagues, stated:
“As you are all aware, the Baloch Women Forum had announced a one-day conference at the Gwadar Press Club on July 27. The objective was to hold a critical dialogue on Baloch political participation, enforced disappearances, arrests and the growing state repression. In preparation for the event, our team launched a widespread public awareness campaign, wall-chalking and outreach efforts in Gwadar and surrounding areas.”
She continued, “However, during this peaceful and constitutional initiative, we were met with unacceptable levels of obstruction, harassment and surveillance by state institutions. We were shadowed, profiled and eventually arbitrarily and unlawfully detained by Gwadar police and taken to the Women’s Police Station. The treatment we faced there was inhumane, unprofessional and degrading, aimed solely at inflicting psychological torture and discouraging our political activism.”
She further siad that “We were subjected to irrelevant and provocative questioning and pressured to sign a written statement cancelling the event. When we refused this unconstitutional demand, we were forcibly relocated from Gwadar to Turbat, an act that is a blatant violation of human dignity and civil liberties.”
“We strongly condemn this sweeping repression and state authoritarianism.”
Dr. Shalee Baloch said, “It is deeply concerning that whenever the Baloch Women’s Forum attempts to raise its voice for basic rights with political consciousness, attempts are made to silence us through invisible laws and informal powers. The July 27 conference was not only within constitutional limits, its purpose was to foster democratic and intellectual dialogue to enhance the political participation of the Baloch people.”
The press conference further highlighted that political organizations, civil society groups, particularly the Baloch Yekjehti Committee and the NDP, are currently facing an organized state crackdown. Arbitrary arrests without warrants and criminalization of political activities under the pretext of “national security” expose how democracy is safeguarded only for the privileged in this country.
“We want to make it clear,” she asserted, “that our struggle is not only constitutional and democratic, but also rooted in the centuries-long tradition of Baloch resistance, built on courage, dignity and intellect. We will not surrender to this repression and will continue our political work with even greater resolve.”
She further demanded that the state immediately halt its efforts to deprive the Baloch people of their fundamental human, political and social rights, treat them as equal citizens like other nations in the country and respect and recognize their political voice.
Dr. Shalee emphasized, “We call on international media, human rights organizations, and the global conscience to take notice of this entire situation so that the voice of the Baloch is not buried in silence.”
In conclusion, she stated: “Through this press conference, we reaffirm that the Baloch Women’s Forum will never abandon its struggle for fundamental rights, the interests of the Baloch nation, and political resistance. Rather, we will continue this struggle with greater speed and strength.”
