Several human rights organizations strongly criticized the recent arrest of Syed Bibi, a woman activist and member of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), by Pakistani forces in Balochistan. The arrest, deemed part of an increasing crackdown on peaceful activists and labeled as “Pakistani fascism,” has sparked outrage. Bibi was taken into custody by Pakistan’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) from her home in Kech district on July 1 without legal grounds, as stated by the BYC.
The BYC reported that despite being listed on the Fourth Schedule of Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act, Bibi had been complying with authorities’ directives by regularly visiting the CTD office every week for the past four months. The organization further alleged that CTD officials harassed Bibi after the BYC announced a protest in the Turbat region of Kech, leading to her arrest.
The Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) expressed deep concern over the continuous targeting of peaceful activists in Balochistan, citing Bibi’s arrest as part of a persistent campaign of harassment against her over the last few years. The HRCB highlighted that Bibi had been subjected to punitive actions linked to her exercise of fundamental rights, including being placed on the Fourth Schedule without any known terrorism-related conviction.
The Baloch Women Forum (BWF) condemned Bibi’s arrest, emphasizing that detaining individuals to hinder peaceful political activities violates fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and assembly. The BWF called on international human rights bodies and the global community to intervene urgently for Bibi’s release and to monitor the misuse of counterterrorism laws against peaceful activists in Pakistan.
Naseem Baloch, chairman of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), decried Bibi’s arrest as another instance of enforced disappearances in Balochistan, urging international attention to address this issue. He stressed the need for the United Nations and human rights organizations to act promptly and demand an end to enforced disappearances in the region.
