Who is Mahrang Baloch?

Mahrang Baloch has emerged as one of the most fearless human rights activists in Pakistan, leading the charge against enforced disappearances in Balochistan. As the leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), she has mobilized thousands to demand justice for victims of state repression. Her relentless activism has not only exposed human rights violations within Pakistan but has also brought international attention to the plight of the Baloch people.

Her efforts have now earned her a nomination for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, a recognition that underscores the global significance of her work. But who is Mahrang Baloch, and why does her fight matter?

Why is Mahrang Baloch Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize?

Mahrang Baloch’s nomination is a testament to her unwavering commitment to justice. For years, she has been at the forefront of exposing human rights abuses in Balochistan, a region long subjected to militarization, enforced disappearances, and systemic oppression.

Her activism is centered on three key areas:

Exposing Human Rights Violations: By speaking at international forums and engaging with global media, she has turned the spotlight on Pakistan’s repression of the Baloch people.
Giving a Voice to the Families of the Disappeared: Through protests and advocacy, she has ensured that the stories of thousands of missing Baloch individuals are not forgotten.
Mobilizing Nationwide and International Attention: Her efforts have forced both the Pakistani government and global human rights organizations to acknowledge the crisis in Balochistan.

The Historic Islamabad March: A Turning Point

One of the most defining moments in Mahrang Baloch’s activism came in December 2023, when she led a historic march from Balochistan to Islamabad. The protest demanded accountability for the thousands of forcibly disappeared Baloch individuals, many of whom have never returned.

The march gained nationwide and international attention, putting unprecedented pressure on the Pakistani government. Security forces attempted to suppress the protests, but Mahrang and her fellow activists remained resolute. The movement reignited discussions on human rights abuses in Balochistan, with international organizations calling for urgent action.

A Personal Struggle That Became a Movement

For Mahrang, the fight for justice is deeply personal. Her father, Ghaffar Longove, was abducted in 2009 and later found dead—one of the thousands of victims of Pakistan’s policy of enforced disappearances. Since then, she has dedicated her life to seeking justice for others who have suffered the same fate.

Her activism is not just about politics—it is about human dignity, the right to live without fear, and the demand for justice that the Baloch people have long been denied.

Global Recognition: Mahrang’s Impact Beyond Pakistan

Mahrang Baloch’s relentless pursuit of justice has captured global attention. In 2024, she was featured in TIME100 Next, recognized as a rising leader reshaping the struggle for human rights. With her Nobel Peace Prize nomination, she has become a symbol of defiance against oppression, amplifying the Baloch cause on the world stage.

Her recognition signifies a growing global acknowledgment of the crisis in Balochistan. International human rights organizations have intensified calls for accountability, urging Pakistan to address enforced disappearances and systemic repression. As her voice reaches international platforms, the struggle for justice in Balochistan is no longer confined to Pakistan—it is now a global human rights concern.

What’s Next? The Future of the Baloch Struggle

Mahrang Baloch’s nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize is not just a personal milestone—it is a recognition of the collective struggle of the Baloch people. The question now is whether this recognition will translate into tangible action.

The world must decide: Will it continue to ignore the suffering of the Baloch people, or will it stand up for justice? The struggle for Balochistan’s rights is far from over, but Mahrang Baloch has proven that no amount of state repression can silence the demand for justice.