Mahrang Baloch booked in terrorism case after being ‘barred’ from flying out – Pakistan

Rights activist Dr. Mahrang Baloch has been charged in a terrorism case for allegedly inciting people by making allegations against security institutions. She is associated with the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and has been actively involved in organizing sit-ins and protests against enforced disappearances in Balochistan.

Despite being scheduled to attend a Time magazine function in New York, Baloch was prevented from boarding her flight at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport by immigration authorities. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) was cited as the reason behind the restriction on her travel.

The FIR lodged against Baloch includes various sections from the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Pakistan Penal Code. Although the complainant accused her of inciting violence, the Station House Officer confirmed that she had not organized any rallies or protests recently.

Baloch, however, sees the charges as an attempt to suppress her peaceful activism and divert attention from security agencies’ failures. She remains determined to fight against these coercive measures in court.

Despite facing harassment from law enforcement agencies and being prevented from leaving the country, Baloch continues to stand firm in her activism and vows to challenge the fabricated case against her through legal means.