Mahrang Baloch, a human rights activist from Balochistan, is currently held in detention without any legal proceedings. Her arrest on March 22 during a peaceful protest in Quetta has drawn international criticism, with groups like Amnesty International and Front Line Defenders calling for her release. According to Indian intelligence sources, the abduction and killing of activists are known tactics of the Pakistan army, often targeting Baloch individuals fighting for their land. Mahrang Baloch’s activism has made her a target, and her detention has raised concerns about human rights abuses in the region. Mahrang leads the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), advocating against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. During a crackdown on protesters in Quetta, she and her sister were detained and held at Hudda District Prison in Quetta. Her father, Abdul Gaffar Langove, was abducted and killed in 2011, and her brother was detained in 2017 before being released. She was also barred from travelling to the United States last year to attend a TIME magazine awards gala of “rising leaders”. Balochistan, a resource-rich and politically volatile region, has faced decades of violence and systemic abuses by Pakistani authorities, including the military and intelligence agencies. Mahrang’s leadership in movements like the Baloch Long March in November 2023 and the Baloch Raji Muchi in July 2024 has brought global attention to these issues. Mama Qadir Baloch told CNN-News18 that Mahrang’s detention is illegal, highlighting the absence of a female constable during her arrest, which goes against Baloch customs. This situation has deeply upset the Baloch community. Mary Lawlor, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights defenders, said she was “very concerned” at Mahrang’s arrest. Baloch and other protesters have been charged with terrorism, sedition and murder, according to the police charge sheet seen by news agency AFP.