UN Urges Pakistan to Release Baloch Human Rights Activists Amid Rising Tensions

UN experts demand Pakistan release Baloch human rights defenders, citing police violence against peaceful protesters. Reports highlight arrests, enforced disappearances, and misuse of anti-terrorism laws. The UN calls for addressing underlying terror causes, aligning with global strategies, while maintaining dialogue with Pakistani authorities.

In a compelling appeal, United Nations experts have pressed Pakistan for the immediate release of detained Baloch human rights defenders. The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders issued a press release expressing alarm over the Pakistani authorities' heavy-handed approach to quelling peaceful protests.

The response by Pakistan's police to demonstrations led by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has been particularly troubling, according to the release. The focal point of concern arose after several prominent BYC members were reportedly arrested or disappeared by the Counter Terrorism Department. On March 21, a peaceful protest outside the University of Balochistan ended in tragedy, resulting in three deaths and multiple injuries, as police forcefully interrupted the gathering.

Barely a day later, on March 22, Quetta witnessed another protest led by BYC members, including renowned human rights advocate Mahrang Baloch. The protest met a violent police dispersal, with batons and tear gas deployed. Mahrang was detained, facing charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act, with her location unknown for hours. Sammi Deen Baloch, another key figure, faced arrest in Karachi days later, detained without trial under public order laws. The UN experts persist in calling for transparency and an end to the misuse of anti-terrorism laws against activists, urging Pakistan to focus on root causes of terror as per global recommendations.

(With inputs from agencies.)