On April 5, 2025, Pakistani authorities arrested the father of Beebow Baloch, a prominent Baloch human rights defender and member of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). He is currently detained at the Hudda District Prison in Balochistan under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order Act (MPO). His daughter, Beebow Baloch, has been held at the same facility since her arrest on March 22, 2025.
Background on Beebow Baloch’s Activism
Beebow Baloch has been an outspoken advocate for human rights in Balochistan, actively participating in peaceful campaigns addressing enforced disappearances and state violence. On March 22, 2025, she was arrested during a peaceful sit-in in Quetta, where protesters condemned the excessive force used by security forces on March 21, which resulted in three deaths and multiple injuries. The demonstration also called for the release of detained human rights defenders, including BYC member Bebarg Zehri. citeturn0search12
Arrest of Beebow Baloch’s Father
On April 5, 2025, Beebow Baloch’s father was summoned by Balochistan police for questioning, despite no direct involvement in the protest movement. Witnesses report that his personal belongings, including his phone and car keys, were confiscated before he was taken to an undisclosed location. Hours later, it was confirmed that he had been detained at the Hudda District Prison under Section 3 of the MPO. This arrest aligns with a pattern of collective punishment against the families of human rights defenders. Earlier that day, the father of another prominent female human rights defender, Dr. Sabiha Baloch, was also arrested, reportedly to pressure her to cease her advocacy work.
Conditions in Balochistan Prisons
Prisons in Balochistan have long faced criticism for inadequate facilities and overcrowding. A 2018 report by the National Commission for Human Rights highlighted issues such as poor infrastructure, lack of trained staff, and inadequate healthcare services. These conditions are believed to exacerbate security challenges and hinder rehabilitation efforts. citeturn0search0 Additionally, there is no separate prison for women in Balochistan; female prisoners are held in facilities alongside male inmates, raising significant concerns about safety and privacy. citeturn0search2
International Response and Call for Action
Front Line Defenders has expressed deep concern over the continued detention of Beebow Baloch and the targeting of her family members. The organization calls on Pakistani authorities to:
- Immediately release Beebow Baloch and her father, as their imprisonment appears to be a reprisal for her legitimate human rights work.
- Ensure access to family visits, legal counsel, and medical treatment for both detainees.
- Investigate the use of excessive force against peaceful protesters, aiming to hold those responsible accountable.
- Protect Baloch human rights defenders from reprisals and end ongoing persecution under the guise of national security.
These developments underscore the precarious situation faced by human rights defenders in Balochistan and highlight the need for urgent international attention and intervention.
Human-rights-by-Nick-Youngson-Creative Commons -BY-SA-3.0-Pix4free.
