UN raises alarm over Baloch women activists’ placement on Pakistan’s anti-terror watchlist
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The United Nations has raised serious concerns regarding the inclusion of Baloch human rights activists Dr. Sabiha Baloch, Dr. Shali Baloch, and Sammi Din Baloch on Pakistan’s anti-terrorism Fourth Schedule watchlist. Mary Lawler, the UN Special Rapporteur on the protection of human rights defenders, highlighted that such designations impose significant restrictions on these individuals. These limitations affect their ability to travel, conduct financial transactions, and participate in public events, thereby hampering their essential human rights advocacy work.
Lawler emphasized that these restrictions constitute a violation of the activists’ fundamental rights. She described the measures as an intimidation tactic aimed at silencing human rights defenders and suppressing dissent. The UN official underscored that such actions not only undermine individual rights but also create a climate of fear that discourages activism and civil society engagement in Balochistan.
The concerns are compounded by prior warnings issued by UN experts in February 2025, who criticized Pakistan’s procedures for adding or removing individuals from the Fourth Schedule. These procedures were found to lack transparency and sufficient legal safeguards, raising fears of arbitrary targeting. The absence of clear oversight increases the risk of activists being unfairly listed without due process, further threatening their safety and rights.
The move to include these activists on the watchlist has garnered criticism from both local and international human rights organizations. Many view it as part of a broader pattern of repression against journalists, activists, and civil society members in Balochistan. Critics argue that such measures are used to suppress peaceful activism and dissent, ultimately hindering efforts to promote democratic participation and human rights in the region.
Lawler called on the Pakistani government to engage in meaningful dialogue with human rights defenders and to review the inclusion of individuals on the watchlist. She stressed the importance of aligning Pakistan’s procedures with international human rights standards, ensuring protections and fair processes. The UN official warned that criminalizing peaceful activism exacerbates human rights violations, further marginalizing minority communities and weakening democratic institutions in Balochistan.
