Baloch activist Iqra Baloch has raised strong concerns over the arrest of her sister, Mahrang Baloch, a prominent Baloch rights leader. Mahrang was taken into custody by Pakistani authorities on Saturday morning, sparking international outrage.
Denied Meeting & Emotional Recollection
Iqra shared her distressing experience of visiting Hudda Jail, where she was denied permission to meet her sister. She recalled a painful memory from her childhood, posting on social media:
“A visit to Hudda Jail today reminded me of a painful memory from childhood when I stood at the same place to see my father behind bars. 18 years ago, it was my father. It is my sister today. Back then, @MahrangBaloch_ was by our side but today, NO! We weren’t allowed to meet her.”
Earlier, Iqra expressed frustration over the lack of information regarding Mahrang’s detention. In a post on X, she revealed that both Mahrang and their younger sister had been taken by police, but their family was not provided with any details.
“10 hours, and still no information! We have not been given a copy of the FIR. Only hearing she is being held in Hudda District Prison, but we have no right to meet her. @EUPakistan,” she wrote, calling for EU intervention.
International Condemnation & Human Rights Concerns
The arrest has sparked global criticism, with international human rights figures condemning Pakistan’s handling of Baloch activists.
Mary Lawlor, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, criticized the crackdown on protesters in Quetta, stating:
“Very concerned by reports that Mahrang Baloch and a number of other HRDs have been arrested in Balochistan following a crackdown on Baloch Yakjehti Committee protesters in Quetta.”
Reports indicate that Mahrang was forcibly taken along with several other activists, raising broader concerns about the suppression of dissent in Balochistan.