BYC leader Sammi Deen Baloch arrested in Karachi crackdown; Dr Mahrang Baloch issues message from jail
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Police in Karachi have apprehended Sammi Deen Baloch, a central leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), along with Deputy Organizer Lala Wahab, during a protest against “state brutality and enforced disappearances,” the BYC reported on Monday.
BYC Central Leader Sammi Deen and Deputy Organizer Lala Wahab Arrested as Police Crack Down on Protest in Karachi
Police Seal Karachi Press Club, Arrest Dozens of Women at BYC Protest
Today, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) had scheduled a protest in Karachi against state… pic.twitter.com/0c2fMazxAp
— Baloch Yakjehti Committee (@BalochYakjehtiC) March 24, 2025
According to the organization, security forces surrounded the Karachi Press Club in an effort to prevent the protest. Nonetheless, a group of activists, predominantly women, managed to gather outside the venue.
“As the protest commenced, law enforcement launched a crackdown, arresting numerous women, including BYC Central Committee leader Sammi Deen Baloch and Deputy Organizer Lala Wahab,” stated the BYC. “Their current whereabouts are unknown.”
The group condemned these arrests, characterizing them as “a blatant act of repression intended to silence the oppressed.”
Front Line Defenders, an international human rights organization, voiced “deep concern” regarding the detention of Ms. Baloch. The group, which recognized Sammi Deen Baloch with its 2024 award, called for her immediate release.
We are deeply concerned by reports that Baloch WHRD Sammi Deen Baloch @SammiBaluch – 2024 @FrontlineHRD award winner – has been arrested by Karachi police and taken to an unknown location.
We call for her immediate release and an end to reprisals against Baloch… pic.twitter.com/dCry8Uynxi
— Front Line Defenders (@FrontLineHRD) March 24, 2025
“We are gravely concerned by reports of the arrest of Baloch human rights defender Sammi Deen Baloch by Karachi police and her transfer to an unknown location,” the organization stated on the social media platform X. “We demand her immediate release and an end to reprisals against Baloch human rights defenders.”
Message from Dr. Mahrang Baloch
Dr. Mahrang Baloch, the BYC’s central organizer, who was previously arrested during protests in Quetta, sent a message from jail. After a prison visit with her sister, Dr. Baloch appeared “brave and courageous” despite the harsh conditions in detention.
“Every possible attempt is being made to intimidate us, but we will not back down from our fight for rights and justice,” Dr. Baloch told her sister. “Our strength lies in our unity and peaceful resistance.”
Speaking to the Baloch nation, Dr. Baloch emphasized that their struggle is for truth and justice. She urged everyone to remain united, non-violent, and outspoken about their grievances.
“Despite facing oppression and tyranny, we must not lose courage because every sacrifice brings us closer to our goal,” she added.
Her sister noted that Dr. Baloch displayed no signs of despair. “Her smile and strong tone confirmed that she is not willing to succumb to any pressure,” she said.
On Monday, Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai also expressed her concerns, describing Dr. Baloch’s detention as “disturbing and concerning.”
In a statement shared on X, Malala stated that Dr. Baloch “represents millions of voiceless people women and children suffering human rights violations in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”
“It is her right to protest and advocate for the most vulnerable populations, and she must be released immediately,” Malala asserted. “I stand with Mahrang Baloch.”
I am disturbed and concerned about the detention of Mahrang Baloch. She represents millions of voiceless people — women and children — who are facing human rights violations in Baluchistan and Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. It is her right to protest and speak out for the most vulnerable… https://t.co/sU9xTAiNtR
— Malala Yousafzai (@Malala) March 24, 2025
Ongoing Protests Across Balochistan Despite Crackdown
Protests continued for the fifth consecutive day in various cities of Balochistan in response to the crackdown and arrests.
Demonstrations were held in Kalat, Quetta, Panjgur, and other locations, accompanied by widespread shutter-down strikes and road blockades.
In Rakhni, Barkhan, the BYC organized a rally condemning the use of force against protesters in Quetta.
Peaceful Rally Held in Rakhni, Barkhan, Against state crackdown on BYC
Today, in response to BYC’s central call, a peaceful rally was held in Rakhni, Barkhan, with a large number of people participating. The demonstrators made it clear that they would not remain silent over the… pic.twitter.com/SWGx1mw8KY
— Baloch Yakjehti Committee (@BalochYakjehtiC) March 24, 2025
In Quetta, fresh violence erupted when police allegedly opened fire on demonstrators, injuring one youth and causing injuries to several others during baton charges.
In Panjgur, BYC supporters reported that police seized mobile phones and employed tear gas and live ammunition against protesters attempting to block roads. Local activists also alleged that police were supported by state-backed armed groups, referred to locally as “death squads,” during the crackdown.
In Turbat, a large protest rally demanded the release of Dr. Mahrang Baloch and condemned the mistreatment of demonstrators.
Significant demonstrations also occurred in Buleda, where protesters criticized the “abduction-style” arrests, particularly that of Dr. Mahrang Baloch.
Despite the intensified crackdown, BYC supporters vowed to continue road blockades, shutter-down strikes, and sit-ins, demanding the immediate release of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Sammi Deen Baloch, and all other detained activists.
