19 July 2025 | London — Amnesty International has issued an urgent appeal calling for the immediate release of six detained Baloch activists, highlighting Pakistan’s increasing use of arbitrary detention and repressive laws to silence dissent in the Balochistan province.
The organisation expressed grave concern over the continued imprisonment of prominent activists, including Dr Mahrang Baloch, Bebarg Zehri, Beebow Baloch, Shah Jee Sibghat Ullah, Ghaffar Qambarani, and Gulzadi Baloch. Their arrests, Amnesty reports, were carried out under laws designed for public order and anti-terrorism, but are instead being used to suppress peaceful protests and stifle freedom of expression.
“These detentions violate both international standards and Pakistan’s own legal framework,” Amnesty said in a statement. The six were initially detained under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance (MPO), which allows for preventive detention, but Amnesty notes that the legal period of their detention has already expired as of 22 June 2025.
A case challenging the legality of their detention is currently pending before Pakistan’s Supreme Court. In the meantime, the activists were transferred to an anti-terrorism court on 8 July, just hours ahead of a judicial review board meeting that could have ruled on their release. The court granted law enforcement agencies a further 10-day remand based on alleged offences under the Anti-Terrorism Act and Pakistan Penal Code.
The crackdown on Baloch activists intensified earlier this year. Bebarg Zehri, a disabled activist and organiser for the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), was detained along with his brother in March. Dr Mahrang Baloch and Beebow Baloch were arrested days later during a peaceful protest following the fatal shooting of three demonstrators by law enforcement. Reports have emerged that the detainees have been denied access to adequate healthcare and legal representation, with families alleging torture and mistreatment.
The situation escalated further in July when five more activists were detained after demanding justice for the alleged extrajudicial killing of 21-year-old Zeeshan Zaheer. Women have also been disproportionately targeted in the recent wave of arrests.
“Pakistan’s authorities are using unjust laws and heavy-handed tactics to silence voices of protest and criticism in Balochistan,” Amnesty warned. “The new Anti-Terrorism (Balochistan Amendment) Act 2025 allows detention without charge for up to three months, further enabling abuse.”
Activists, lawyers and journalists have also faced intimidation. In April, a case was registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act against human rights lawyer Jalila Haider for expressing support for the detainees. On 6 July, Gulzar Dost, convenor of Kech Civil Society, was reportedly abducted by Counter-Terrorism Department personnel.
The broader context includes a staggering 2,332 cases of enforced disappearances recorded in 2024 by Pakistan’s Defence of Human Rights (DHR). Families of the disappeared continue to face harassment and surveillance for seeking accountability.
Amnesty International has called on the Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti to:
Release all Baloch activists detained solely for peaceful protest and free expression.
Drop charges and revoke all detention orders targeting activists.
End the broader crackdown on peaceful dissent in the province.
Letters of appeal can be addressed to the Chief Minister’s Office in Quetta, with Amnesty encouraging supporters to act before 30 December 2025.
1st G M Syed International Conference | London, UK | 18 January 2026
This video documents the 1st G.M. Syed International Conference, held on 18 January 2026 in London, United Kingdom, to commemorate the 122nd birth anniversary of Sain G.M. Syed, the father ...of the Sindhi nation. Organised by the Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM), the conference brought together intellectuals, scholars, political activists, and members of the Sindhi diaspora to reflect on the life, ideas, and enduring political legacy of Sain G.M. Syed.
The footage captures key moments from the event, including speeches, discussions, audience participation, and the overall atmosphere of remembrance and solidarity.
Copyright Notice:
All video content is the property of Aomar Karim. Unauthorised copying, reproduction, redistribution, or use of this video, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without prior written permission.
----------------------------------
Welcome to @AomarKarim Dive into Balochistan's heart as we discuss education, science, technology, entertainment, society, and politics. Subscribe for insightful conversations and a holistic perspective
----------------------------|Thanks |------------------------Show More
Now Playing
1st G M Syed International Conference | London, UK | 18 January 2026
This video documents the 1st G.M. Syed International Conference, held on 18 January 2026 in ...
This video documents the 1st G.M. Syed International Conference, held on 18 January 2026 in London, United Kingdom, to commemorate the 122nd birth anniversary of Sain G.M. Syed, the father ...of the Sindhi nation. Organised by the Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM), the conference brought together intellectuals, scholars, political activists, and members of the Sindhi diaspora to reflect on the life, ideas, and enduring political legacy of Sain G.M. Syed.
The footage captures key moments from the event, including speeches, discussions, audience participation, and the overall atmosphere of remembrance and solidarity.
Copyright Notice:
All video content is the property of Aomar Karim. Unauthorised copying, reproduction, redistribution, or use of this video, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without prior written permission.
----------------------------------
Welcome to @AomarKarim Dive into Balochistan's heart as we discuss education, science, technology, entertainment, society, and politics. Subscribe for insightful conversations and a holistic perspective
----------------------------|Thanks |------------------------Show More
Now Playing
BNM Protest Outside Downing Street Demand Justice for Disappeared Baloch Women | London 2026
On Sunday, 4 January 2026, activists and supporters of the Baloch National Movement (BNM) held ...
On Sunday, 4 January 2026, activists and supporters of the Baloch National Movement (BNM) held a protest outside 10 Downing Street, London, to highlight the alarming rise in enforced disappearances ...of Baloch women and children.
The demonstration condemned Pakistan’s alleged state-led abductions in Balochistan, which protesters described as serious violations of human rights and international law. Participants urged the British government, United Nations, and international human rights organisations to take immediate action and hold those responsible accountable.
London-based Baloch political activist and journalist Aomar Karim participated in the protest, showing solidarity with the families of missing Baloch women. He called on the international community and human rights defenders to raise their voices for Balochistan and to break the silence surrounding enforced disappearances.
By gathering at the heart of British democracy, protesters demanded international intervention to end enforced disappearances and state violence in Balochistan.
Welcome to @AomarKarim Dive into Balochistan's heart as we discuss education, science, technology, entertainment, society, and politics. Subscribe for insightful conversations and a holistic perspective
Join Aomar Karim’s Official Channel
