July 17, 2025
2 mins read

Amnesty Slams Pakistan Over Baloch Arrests

Amnesty condemned the Pakistani state’s use of colonial-era laws like the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance and the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997 to detain peaceful activists without trial…reports Asian Lite News

Amnesty International has called for the immediate and unconditional release of detained Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders, describing their arrests as a blatant example of state repression in Balochistan, according to The Balochistan Post.

According to the report, Baloch activists such as Mahrang Baloch, Bebarg Zehri, Beebow Baloch, Shah Jee Sibghat Ullah, Ghaffar Qambarani, and Gulzadi Baloch have been persecuted for their activism. They are currently being held in unjust detention, which contravenes both international and national laws. This detention is part of a broader crackdown occurring in Balochistan province against peaceful demonstrations and the right to free expression, achieved through the misuse of anti-terrorism and public order legislation. There are serious worries regarding their safety and well-being, as they are being denied necessary medical care and are vulnerable to torture during their unlawful detention.

Extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances continue in Balochistan: rights body(IN)

The crackdown began in March 2025 when Bebarg Zehri, despite being physically disabled due to a past grenade attack, was abducted by Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department. Two days later, Mahrang Baloch and Beebow Baloch were arrested during a peaceful protest after the killing of three demonstrators by Pakistani forces. Mahrang Baloch was denied medical aid despite falling ill in custody, while Beebow Baloch was reportedly tortured, The Balochistan Post reported.

Amnesty condemned the Pakistani state’s use of colonial-era laws like the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance and the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997 to detain peaceful activists without trial, blatantly violating international law and even Pakistan’s own legal limits. The detained BYC leaders were paraded before an anti-terrorism court on July 8, yet no formal charges were presented, The Balochistan Post highlighted.

The report further underlines Pakistan’s routine use of enforced disappearances, with 2,332 cases documented in 2024 alone, largely from Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Amnesty pointed to increasing harassment and criminalisation of Baloch human rights defenders like Gulzar Dost and Jalila Haider, calling it a disturbing trend of state-sponsored terror, The Balochistan Post reported.

Amnesty International urged global powers to pressure Pakistan to release all detained Baloch activists and halt its brutal crackdown. The organisation called for accountability, stressing that Pakistan must not be allowed to suppress fundamental freedoms with impunity, The Balochistan Post concluded. (ANI)

Previous Story

Arab League Slams Israeli Strikes

Next Story

Radicals Rise After Hasina Fall

Latest from -Top News

Pakistan reverses support for Trump’s Gaza peace plan

Pakistan retracts support for Trump’s Gaza peace plan, citing differences with Muslim nations’ draft; move reflects domestic sensitivities and regional alignment amid ongoing Middle East conflict diplomacy. In a surprising shift, Pakistan’s

Hamas agrees to release all hostages

Hamas agrees to release all Israeli hostages under Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, backed by global powers and the UN, paving the way for regional stability. Hamas has formally agreed to release

Qatar now under US shield

Trump offers Qatar an unprecedented security guarantee, pledging US military protection amid Israeli strike and Gaza peace negotiations, reinforcing Qatar’s role in regional diplomacy. In an extraordinary move, the United States has

UAE condemns Manchester attack

UAE condemns Manchester synagogue attack; UK deploys extra police, PM Starmer vows protection for Jewish communities while emergency services respond to a shocking Yom Kippur tragedy. The United Arab Emirates has strongly
Go toTop

Don't Miss

India’s Stellar Bowling and Rohit Sharma’s Explosive Batting Sink Pakistan

In chasing 192, India skipper Rohit Sharma smashed six fours

Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif to attend UNGA session in New York

The delegation will also include the Foreign Secretary and other