Dr. Mahrang Baloch, leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and a human rights activist, has stated that the Balochistan issue is fundamentally political and can only be resolved by changing the state’s predominant use of violence. She emphasized that the Baloch people have the primary right to their land.
In an interview with Rabia Mehmood, Managing Editor of New Wave Global, Dr. Baloch asserted that the situation will not improve until the Baloch genocide stops and forced disappearances are criminalized. “We are leading a public resistance movement, not a political party,” she noted.
The BYC campaigns on the premise that, for the past seventy years, Balochistan has been governed through state oppression and violence, leaving no room for political processes or freedoms, such as student unions, trade unions, and teachers' unions. She highlighted the severe limitations on journalism in Balochistan, noting the recent shutdown of the Balochistan Press Club. “We must obtain permission from local authorities to hold press conferences at the province’s main press club, the only venue available for political parties to address the public. Now, it has been blocked,” she said. In this environment, the BYC has created an independent platform for Baloch people to express their views, Dr. Baloch explained. She noted that military operations and forced disappearances persist in Balochistan, underscoring the need for a peaceful political movement. Dr. Baloch expressed confidence that the people of Balochistan are politically aware.
When asked about women’s participation, she responded, “We believe Baloch society is secular and free from gender discrimination. This is why many women participate in our rallies. There are no separate women’s wings in political parties or student organizations; men and women engage in politics together.”
Dr. Baloch also commented on media coverage, saying, “Balochistan is largely ignored by Pakistani media. They are reluctant to discuss it. The agencies’ policy is to prevent any debate on Balochistan. The central leadership lacks a coherent stance to condemn the agencies’ violence. Instead, they divert attention because the state is effectively collapsing. Those in power act out of ego rather than reason, deflecting attention instead of addressing why such a significant movement has emerged.”
She highlighted that, although Sui gas was discovered in Balochistan in 1956, it remains unavailable in most of the province. Many districts experience up to 23 hours of load shedding daily, she added.
Dr. Mahrang Baloch concluded, “Our demands are clear: stop the Baloch genocide and economic exploitation. The Baloch people have the primary right to their resources. Military rule in Balochistan must end, as ruling by force is fundamentally wrong.”
This year, Dr. Baloch was put on the TIME 100 Next list, but was prevented from attending the ceremony in the United States, by the authorities.