Desk : Prominent Baloch rights activist Dr. Mahrang Baloch has strongly condemned what she described as state violence against peaceful protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), expressing solidarity with demonstrators demanding rights, justice, and dignity.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Dr. Baloch criticised the government’s decision to ban the Joint Public Action Committee (JAAC), saying the move reflects a broader pattern of suppressing political freedoms and democratic expression. She stated that in democratic societies, disagreements should be addressed through dialogue and political engagement rather than bans, arrests, and the use of force.
Drawing parallels between PoJK and Balochistan, Dr. Baloch said that communities in Pakistan’s peripheral regions face similar challenges when raising demands related to rights, identity, and justice. She alleged that peaceful political movements are often met with coercive measures and attempts to delegitimise activists.
“The distance between Balochistan and Kashmir may be vast, but the pain, wounds, and aspirations for justice are the same,” she said, expressing solidarity with injured protesters, bereaved families, and those she claimed are facing state repression.
Dr. Baloch also referred to the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), stating that it too has faced restrictions and state pressure. According to her, authorities have historically responded to political demands in regions such as Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB), and PoJK with force rather than dialogue.
She further alleged that governments tend to ignore, stigmatise, restrict, and suppress public movements. While such actions may create temporary fear, she said, they cannot eliminate demands for justice and accountability.
The activist also expressed solidarity with families of missing persons, political activists, and communities affected by violence and insecurity across the region. She emphasised that her struggle, along with others, is rooted in demands for human dignity, equality, democratic rights, and self-determination.