The Ongoing Struggle for Baloch Rights in Pakistan

The ongoing struggle for Baloch rights in Pakistan has intensified following the arrests of activists, including Beebow Baloch and Beebarg Zehri, who have faced severe mistreatment while in detention. These events highlight the broader context of state violence against the Baloch people, who have long been subjected to enforced disappearances and human rights violations.

The Guardian

The Baloch people have faced decades of systemic oppression, characterized by enforced disappearances and violent crackdowns on peaceful protests. The situation escalated significantly in March 2025, when police actions resulted in the deaths of a peaceful activist and two bystanders during a demonstration. This incident underscored the risks faced by those advocating for Baloch rights and the urgent need for international awareness.

The Guardian

The Baloch Youth Congress (BYC) has emerged as a key organization advocating for the rights of the Baloch people. Committed to nonviolent resistance, BYC has documented over 1,200 cases of enforced disappearances in 2025 alone. The organization's leadership emphasizes the importance of peaceful political engagement as a foundation for democracy, rejecting the conflation of their movement with armed groups.

The Guardian

Critics argue that the Pakistani state employs propaganda to justify its crackdown on peaceful political movements, framing them as threats. Activists contend that the state's violent response to nonviolent protests reveals its inherent weakness rather than strength. The Baloch activists maintain that their peaceful resistance is essential for justice and should not be suppressed.

The Guardian

Activists have expressed their commitment to fighting for the justice and prosperity of Baloch families, asserting that their struggle is not merely personal but part of a larger fight against decades of injustice. They call for greater global attention to the atrocities in Balochistan and emphasize the need for an honest reckoning with the conditions that drive youth toward militancy.

The Guardian

• “It has strengthened my resolve and confirmed the justice of our cause.” — Beebow Baloch, Activist

The Guardian

• “Resistance is often the path to justice, and such movements should not be suppressed.” — Beebow Baloch, Activist

The Guardian

• “Our peaceful resistance has allowed the message to reach far and wide.” — Beebow Baloch, Activist

The Guardian

• “I have always condemned all violence in Balochistan, and any group harming innocent people.” — Beebow Baloch, Activist

The Guardian

As the situation in Balochistan evolves, activists continue to call for international attention and support for their cause. The BYC remains dedicated to documenting human rights violations and advocating for the rights of the Baloch people, emphasizing the importance of peaceful protest in the face of state oppression.

The Guardian