The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has called for the “freedom of movement” of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a prominent rights activist, after she was allegedly barred from boarding a flight to the United States. Dr. Mahrang, who leads the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, was recently featured in Time magazine’s ‘2024 Time100 Next’ list, recognized for her peaceful advocacy for Baloch rights.
Dr. Mahrang was scheduled to attend a Time magazine gala in the US. Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) offloaded her from her flight at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport. According to her, no reason was provided, and she is not on the Exit Control List (ECL). Furthermore, she stated that her passport and mobile phone were confiscated by authorities.
In a press statement, the HRCP condemned this act as a violation of her fundamental rights, including freedom of movement and expression.
The organization praised her work in bringing attention to issues in Balochistan and emphasized that preventing her from traveling overseas was unjustifiable.
Dr. Mahrang, speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, shared that she and her companions were “harassed” after being turned away from the airport. She described the experience as deeply distressing, particularly given her role as a human rights activist.
Dr. Mahrang gained prominence after her father, Ghaffar Longove, disappeared in 2009, only for his mutilated body to be discovered in 2011. Since then, she has led protests against enforced disappearances, including a major march in Islamabad in December 2023. Her efforts have made her a significant voice for Baloch rights, but they have also subjected her to harassment and state scrutiny.
According to a report released in July, 197 cases of missing persons were reported in the first half of 2024, with the majority of these cases originating from Balochistan, underscoring the ongoing human rights crisis in the region.