On 7 April 2025, the Pakistani authorities executed the arrest of Gulzadi Baloch, a dedicated woman human rights defender, in Quetta, Balochistan, amid alarming reports of excessive violence during the incident. Following her apprehension, she was left incommunicado for several hours, raising grave concerns for her physical and mental wellbeing. Currently, she is incarcerated at Hudda District Prison under the stringent Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Act, severely restricting her right to bail.
Gulzadi Baloch is not just any citizen; she is an emblem of resistance and hope, actively campaigning against the tide of human rights abuses in Balochistan as a member of the Baloch Yajkehti Committee (BYC). Her unyielding voice amplifies the plight of the Baloch community as she fights for justice and accountability, especially calling out human rights violations perpetrated by security forces. Yet, her commitment has rendered her vulnerable to targeted reprisals.
Witnesses revealed that at approximately 8 PM on the night of the arrest, Gulzadi faced brutal treatment by the Balochistan police, including severe beatings and being dragged through the streets. Shocking reports suggest she sustained significant injuries, with her condition raising alarms due to Balochistan’s notorious history of custodial torture and incommunicado detentions, where victims routinely encounter cruel treatment, denying their rights to legal recourse.
Front Line Defenders has voiced deep concerns over Gulzadi’s arrest, especially given the circumstances surrounding the use of excessive force. Her detention echoes a broader distressing trend of escalating violence and legal reprisals against Baloch human rights defenders, aiming to silence their advocacy for change and justice. This crackdown on activism is part of an increasing clampdown on freedom of expression in the region.
In response to these events, Front Line Defenders has urged the Pakistani authorities to take immediate action, including: the unconditional release of Gulzadi Baloch, ensuring her access to family visits and medical care in custody, and a thorough investigation into the violence she faced during her arrest. They emphasise the need for the protection of human rights defenders across Pakistan and the cessation of targeting individuals for their advocacy efforts against human rights abuses.
Gulzadi Baloch, a woman human rights defender, was arrested in Quetta on 7 April 2025, amidst reports of excessive violence. She remains in Hudda District Prison under the repressive MPO Act, with grave concerns regarding her safety. Front Line Defenders condemns her arrest and seeks her immediate release, adequate medical care, and an investigation into the violence she suffered. This incident underscores a disturbing trend of repression against human rights advocates in Balochistan.
In conclusion, the arrest of Gulzadi Baloch starkly highlights the ongoing struggle faced by human rights defenders in Balochistan. The use of excessive violence during her apprehension and the troubling conditions of her detention exemplify the risks these activists endure in advocating for justice. Immediate action is critical to protect not only Gulzadi but also the wider community of defenders advocating against human rights violations.
Original Source: www.frontlinedefenders.org
