Karachi: On Sunday (September 8), human rights activist Sammi Deen Baloch was restricted from travelling to Muscat, Oman. Her name was put on Exit Control List (ECL) by the Pakistan state, a move that now prevents her from travelling abroad.
In recent months, the Baloch people have faced increased harassment, threats, and violence from the state ever since the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) announced the Baloch Raaji Muchi (Baloch National Gathering) in Gwadar on July 28, 2024.
In the lead-up to the event, the government had used various tactics, including violence to prevent the gathering. A sit-in had followed, lasting for more than 10 days, and ending with an agreement between the provincial Balochistan government and BYC, promising that no activists would face harassment or threats.
Despite the agreement, the government has not upheld its commitments, continuing to target Baloch activists. Mahrang Baloch, a leader of BYC, who has also faced threats due to her political activism, described how a shopkeeper in Gwadar was detained for opening his shop. The authorities reportedly punished him, claiming he provided water to BYC members during the sit-in.
Mahrang says the incident proves how the state is willing to punish ordinary Baloch citizens, even those not directly involved in the protest.
The Pakistan government has consistently threatened Baloch activists, students, political workers, and families of victims of enforced disappearances. Sammi Deen, whose activism centres around the abduction of her father Dr. Deen Muhammad Baloch, more than 15 years ago, has spent much of her life protesting for his release and for other missing persons.
In 2024, Sammi Deen received the Front Line Defenders Award for her struggle. She was also a key leader of the Baloch National Gathering in Gwadar, making her, Mahrang, and other BYC leaders targets of government repression.
Rather than opening dialogue with emerging political groups such as the BYC, the federal government has granted special powers to the military under the guise of fighting terrorism. The move came after a series of attacks by separatist militant group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) in late August, which left more than 20 people dead in Balochistan.
‘They detained me in a room for almost four hours without explanation’
Sammi Deen narrated how she was treated when her name was placed on the Exit Control List (ECL). After receiving her boarding pass, she had approached the immigration officers to hand over her passport.
However, the officer hesitated and appeared uncertain. When Sammi Deen enquired about the delay, the officer citied a system error.
“They detained me in a room for almost four hours without explaining why I was not allowed to travel. The immigration officers were rude and unkind, treating me as if I was a criminal. I am a victim of state violence and a human rights activist. But I feel that I am a stranger in this country,” she said.
Sammi Deen had then turned to social media to address the situation, finding it to be her most effective tool.
Sammi Deen Baloch, at the Sindh High Court. Photo: Sammi Deen Baloch
Within three minutes of going live on social media, the officer returned her passport and told Sammi Deen that she could leave, but did not explain the reason for the travel ban. She was informed that her name had been added to the ECL and she was questioned repeatedly about her trip to Muscat.
“The state’s violence led to my father’s abduction, and my brother had to leave Muscat for his safety. Now, I cannot visit him,” said Sammi Deen.
Mahrang, who also faces the state’s wrath, responded to Sammi’s situation by criticisng the government for further disrupting their lives. Mahrang said that Sammi’s mother is ill, and the state’s actions have made their lives unbearable.
She emphasised the need for Sammi to travel to see her brother and questioned what more the state wants from their family.
Mahrang, who is also a political activist and preparing for the fellow of college of physicians and surgeons (FCPS) examination, says that she has received threats, and her family, is under pressure.
“My supervisor has been threatened, and I am not safe during my studies. Those who are connected to me are under threat.”
Mahrang recounted an incident where a notice board with information about her speech at an event hosted by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) in Quetta press club was removed, and the event was restricted to a small audience.
The Deputy Commissioner was present to observe her speech.
“I am political activist and need to travel and communicate with my people, but the state has created obstacles and threats,” said Mahrang.
Despite the state’s violent measures, Mahrang affirmed that the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) remains committed to non-violence and legal action, even though they believe that courts and institutions are complicit in the military’s actions against the Baloch.
Mahrang and the BYC continue to support Sammi Deen in her fight for justice and to have her name removed from the ECL.
Meanwhile, on September 9, 2024, Sammi Deen submitted a petition the Sindh High Court challenging her placement on the ECL.
She emotionally recounted her mother’s reaction to the news that she was barred from travelling.
“Only God will see this state, which mistreats the Baloch people and prevents family members from reuniting,” said Sammi Deen’s mother.
‘Pakistan state legitimises violence against Baloch people’
Advocate Imran Baloch criticised that the federal government’s efforts to amend the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997.
“Section 11EEEE(1) of ATA allows for the detention of people for up to three months based on evidence or suspicion of serious offences. It is illegal and unconstitutional. The government has placed over 3,000 names on the 4th Schedule, creating an alarming situation in the province,” said Imran.
He pointed out that in Balochistan, the Counter-Terrorism Department, which lacks authority to detain people under the 4th Schedule, is doing so unlawfully.
Mahrang criticised the government for effectively legalising enforced disappearances by empowering the military in Balochistan. She pointed out that this has created uncertainty around abductions and let to an increase in the number of officials, authors, and poets listed under the fourth Schedule.
She also noted that in Balochistan, people from across all sections of the society are speaking out against state violence.
During the Gwadar sit-in, despite an internet shutdown, religious clerics and young girls participated in the event, with mosques using loudspeakers to support the BYC.
In Nushki, Mahrang urged tribes to resolve personal feuds, and some responded positively.
“This time, the Baloch people have recognised the need to protect their identity and land. The state is uncomfortable with this show if Baloch unity,” said Mahrang.
Advocate Imran accused the government of adding numerous names to the fourth Schedule in an attempt to silence dissent. He criticised Baloch parliamentarians, specifically Akhtar Mengal, for resigning from the National Assembly, while failing to act when Baloch were brutally treated in Gwadar.
He said that Mengal’s resignation, while his other party members remain in the National Assembly, appears to be a strategic move to distance himself from the upcoming amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Imran urged Baloch parliamentarian politicians to take a clear, consistent stance on Baloch issues rather than engaging in what he sees as double standards.
Mahrang criticised the media and termed it as a mouthpiece for the state. She pointed out that the media did not air her tweet about the brutal murder of four Baloch or the violent treatment of Baloch protestors during the sit-in, but it did report on the May 9 incident. She noted that the media only aired her tweet fifteen days after the Gwadar protest when it was convenient for them.
“It shows that Baloch lives do not matter either to the government or the media,” Mahrang said.
