Amidst repression of dissent, Pakistan targets Mehrang Baloch through controversial FIR

In yet another incident of brutal repression of Baloch dissent, Pakistan has filed an FIR against activist Mehrang Baloch, accusing him/her of inciting hatred, turning youth against the state and supporting terrorism.

The FIR against the prominent leader of Baloch Yakjehti Committee was lodged at Quaidabad Police Station in Karachi. The FIR was lodged on Friday following a complaint by a local businessman who alleged that Mehrang Baloch works as a facilitator for terrorist organisations, The News International reported.

According to the police, Asad Ali, a resident of Landhi, said in his/her complaint that he/she encountered Mehrang and his/her associates at Hospital Chowringhee on Friday evening, where they were spreading anarchy by misleading the youth and trying to disturb the peace.

The FIR further claims that Mehrang Baloch and his/her associates maintain close contacts with hostile elements of the neighboring country, and with their support and funding, they have launched a series of sit-ins in various cities and streets across Pakistan .

Earlier, Baloch rights activists Mehrang Baloch and Sammy Deen Baloch had alleged that they were barred from traveling to New York for a Time magazine ceremony, where they were recognized along with other leaders as the publication’s Most Influential Emerging Leaders of the Year. was invited.

Even after finally being allowed to leave the airport, Baloch and his/her companions, including activist Sammi Deen Baloch, were ambushed by state intelligence officers and Sindh Police.

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and resource-rich province, has been demanding autonomy and control over its resources for a long time. However, the state views these demands as a threat to national sovereignty.

Pakistan’s use of militarized tactics against the people of Balochistan reflects its broader failure to address legitimate grievances through dialogue and reform. Instead of finding a peaceful solution, Pakistani authorities are relying on harassment, increasing tensions within the province and facing international criticism for neglecting human rights.