Are the Pakistani Army's Allegations Against Mahrang Baloch Fabricated?

Synopsis
In a bold response to the Pakistani Army's allegations, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) underscores its commitment to peaceful activism and human rights. This article delves into the BYC's firm rejection of accusations directed at Mahrang Baloch and sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by the organization in Balochistan.
Key Takeaways
- The BYC firmly rejects the Pakistani Army's allegations as unsubstantiated.
- Mahrang Baloch is recognized for her commitment to peaceful activism.
- The ongoing violence in Balochistan reflects systemic security failures.
- The BYC calls for international attention to human rights violations.
- Commitment to nonviolent methods remains strong among BYC leaders.
Quetta, May 24 (NationPress) The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a prominent human rights organization, has firmly dismissed the "groundless and slanderous" claims made by the Pakistani Army, which accuse the BYC and its head, Mahrang Baloch, of engaging in terrorism and activities funded by foreign entities.
Condemning these allegations, BYC leader and human rights advocate Sammi Deen Baloch asserted that the Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) and the state apparatus have been actively disseminating unsubstantiated accusations against the BYC and its leaders for several months, without any credible or verifiable evidence.
"The statements from the DG ISPR, claiming that the BYC and its leadership are involved in 'terrorism' during a recent press conference, are fabricated, unfounded, and contrary to the truth. They aim to undermine and delegitimize BYC's internationally recognized peaceful struggle," Sammi Deen Baloch stated in a post on X on Saturday.
"The persistent violence in Balochistan is not merely a result of long-standing oppression but also a manifestation of systemic security failures. No amount of propaganda or pressure can sway us from our dedication to nonviolent activism and advocating for the Baloch people's rights through peaceful channels," she added.
Furthermore, the BYC maintained that the accusations from the Pakistani Army are not only false but seem to be a calculated attempt to distract from the severe and ongoing human rights abuses occurring in Balochistan.
Emphasizing that the BYC is a peaceful political and human rights organization committed to nonviolent advocacy for the democratic and civil rights of the Baloch community, the BYC reiterated that Mahrang Baloch is a respected human rights defender with an extensive record of peaceful activism.
Both Mahrang and the BYC have consistently renounced all forms of violence and remain resolute in their commitment to lawful and democratic methods of protest and resistance.
"These recent military statements are not only defamatory; they implicitly recognize the increasing influence and legitimacy of our peaceful movement. Instead of confronting the well-documented abuses in Balochistan—ranging from enforced disappearances to extrajudicial killings—the state has opted to escalate its campaign of disinformation," read a statement issued by the BYC.
"For over two months, Mahrang Baloch and other BYC leaders have been unlawfully detained under oppressive laws like the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance (MPO). Despite numerous court hearings, the state has failed to provide any legal justification or credible evidence for these detentions. Meanwhile, a coordinated media effort continues to spread misinformation and defamatory content against our leadership," the statement added.
Additionally, the BYC unequivocally condemned the killing of innocent civilians, particularly children in Balochistan, asserting that such actions are unacceptable and violate the most fundamental principles of humanity and international law.
The BYC urged the international community, including the United Nations, global human rights organizations, and diplomatic missions, to take serious note of the perilous rhetoric employed by Pakistani authorities.
"These unfounded allegations pose a threat not only to individual activists but also signify a broader assault on the rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and legitimate political advocacy in Pakistan. The BYC will not be silenced. Our commitment to justice, peace, and human dignity remains unwavering," the statement concluded.