Baloch Activists and Rights Groups Dispute Pakistan's Allegations of Militant Links
Baloch political activists and human rights organizations have issued a firm challenge to the Pakistani authorities' official narrative regarding a recent incident in Quetta, Balochistan. They have rejected attempts to associate Dr. Sabiha Baloch with militant activities, as reported by The Balochistan Post.
Authorities' Claims and the Baloch Response
According to The Balochistan Post, officials, including Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti and senior police personnel, presented a woman identified as Laiba, also known as Farzana Zehri. They claimed she was apprehended in Khuzdar through intelligence-based operations and labeled her a "potential suicide bomber," asserting that her arrest prevented large-scale destruction. Authorities further alleged that Zehri had been in contact with Dr. Sabiha Baloch and was scheduled to undergo training after meeting her.
However, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has strongly disputed these claims. In a statement, the BYC raised serious questions about the timeline of Zehri's detention, stating that she had been forcibly disappeared on December 1, 2025, and remained incommunicado for over three months before her public presentation. The group questioned why she was not produced in court during this period and argued that any statements made under such conditions cannot be considered credible. The BYC also dismissed allegations linking Dr. Sabiha Baloch or the organization to armed groups, demanding that authorities provide verifiable evidence or issue a public apology.
Dr. Sabiha Baloch's Rebuttal and Broader Concerns
Dr. Sabiha Baloch, in her response, described enforced disappearances as instruments of intimidation and coercion. She termed the public presentation of Zehri a "media trial" following prolonged secret detention. Dr. Baloch highlighted that several leaders of her organization have been imprisoned for extended periods without proven charges. She also alleged continued harassment of her family, including the detention of her father, as reported by The Balochistan Post.
Activist Sammi Deen Baloch criticized what she described as a recurring pattern, questioning Zehri's whereabouts for "three months and eighteen days." Other rights advocates, including members of the Baloch Women Forum and the Human Rights Council of Balochistan, warned that such actions appear aimed at discrediting peaceful political voices and restricting civic space in the region. They emphasized that these tactics undermine human rights and foster an environment of fear among activists.
The situation underscores ongoing tensions in Balochistan, where allegations of enforced disappearances and media trials continue to spark international concern. The activists' demands for transparency and accountability highlight the need for credible investigations and adherence to legal procedures in addressing security concerns.
