Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a prominent Baloch human rights defender, was detained by Pakistani police

Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a prominent Baloch human rights defender, was detained by Pakistani police in the early hours of March 22, 2025, during a peaceful sit-in protest in Quetta, Balochistan. The protest was organized in response to a violent crackdown by security forces on March 21, 2025, which resulted in three fatalities and several injuries among demonstrators advocating for the release of detained activists.

At approximately 5:30 a.m. local time on March 22, heavily armed forces raided the protest site, arresting Dr. Baloch, her younger sister Mehran-e-Sareng, and several others. The authorities also confiscated the bodies of those killed during the previous day’s crackdown. For nearly 12 hours following their arrest, there was no information about their whereabouts, raising serious concerns for their safety. Later updates confirmed that Dr. Baloch, her sister, and two others were being held at the Hudda District Prison in Quetta.

Dr. Mahrang Baloch has been a vocal advocate for the rights of the Baloch people, campaigning against systemic human rights violations in Balochistan. Her activism has led to international recognition, including being named among the BBC’s 100 most influential women in 2024 and featured in Time Magazine’s 100 Next Emerging Leaders. Despite facing severe reprisals, including physical violence, false criminal charges, arrests, administrative restrictions, travel bans, and smear campaigns, she continues her advocacy for the Baloch community.

The recent escalation in attacks against Baloch human rights defenders follows a militant assault on a passenger train on March 11, 2025. Pakistani authorities have used this incident to further repress peaceful activists, leading to arrests and violent crackdowns on protesters.