Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a prominent Baloch rights activist and central organizer of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), along with other BYC members, has faced multiple legal challenges in Pakistan, including charges related to sedition and terrorism.
Sedition Charges
In January 2024, Dr. Mahrang and approximately 300 others were charged with sedition under Section 124-A of the Pakistan Penal Code. The charges stemmed from allegations that their speeches during ongoing protests in Islamabad incited anti-state sentiments and could provoke public disorder. The First Information Report (FIR) claimed that their actions threatened national security and stability in Balochistan.
Terrorism-Related Allegations
In October 2024, Dr. Mahrang was barred from traveling to New York to attend a TIME100 Next event honoring her as one of the 100 emerging leaders. At Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, immigration officials detained her, confiscated her passport, and claimed she lacked a valid U.S. visa, despite her possession of a five-year visa issued that day. Subsequently, it was revealed that her name had been added to Pakistan’s National Identity List (PNIL), which includes individuals suspected of involvement in criminal activities such as terrorism, money laundering, and fraud. This inclusion effectively restricted her movement without prior notification.
Recent FIRs and Ongoing Harassment
In January 2025, another FIR was registered against Dr. Mahrang and 80 participants following a gathering in the Tepul area of Naseerabad. The event was part of the BYC’s awareness campaign across Balochistan in preparation for a national gathering on January 25, commemorating “Baloch Genocide Remembrance Day.” The FIR alleged violations of Section 144, which forbids public gatherings mandated by the government. The BYC contended that authorities selectively enforced these rules to suppress peaceful protest.
These legal actions against Dr. Mahrang and other BYC members have drawn international concern. Organizations such as Amnesty International have condemned the severe crackdown on peaceful protesters, and UN experts have expressed alarm over the harassment and arbitrary travel restrictions imposed on her. Despite these challenges, Dr. Mahrang remains resolute in her advocacy for the rights of the Baloch people, highlighting the ongoing human rights violations in Balochistan.
