Mahrang Baloch, a fearless human rights activist and leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), has emerged as a powerful voice in the fight against enforced disappearances in Balochistan. Her unwavering activism has now earned her a nomination for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, a recognition that not only highlights her struggle but also brings international attention to the ongoing human rights crisis in Pakistan’s largest yet most neglected province.
Who Is Mahrang Baloch?
Born and raised in Balochistan, Mahrang Baloch is no stranger to the pain of loss and injustice. Her activism is deeply personal—her father, Ghaffar Longove, was abducted and later found dead in 2009, a fate that has befallen thousands of other Baloch men and women over the years. Instead of succumbing to fear, Mahrang transformed her grief into resistance, becoming a leading figure in the struggle for justice and human rights.
As the leader of the BYC, she has mobilized thousands in peaceful protests, tirelessly exposing the repression in Balochistan. Under her leadership, the BYC has grown into one of the most significant grassroots movements in the region, demanding accountability for state-enforced disappearances, extra-judicial killings, and military operations targeting Baloch civilians.
Why Is She Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize?
Mahrang Baloch’s Nobel Peace Prize nomination is a historic milestone for Balochistan’s human rights movement. Her candidacy stems from her relentless efforts to bring international attention to the crisis in Balochistan, a region often ignored in mainstream global discussions.
- Exposing Human Rights Violations – Through activism, advocacy, and protests, she has shed light on Pakistan’s longstanding policy of enforced disappearances and the brutal suppression of dissent in Balochistan.
- Mobilizing a Movement – She has led mass protests and sit-ins, ensuring that the voices of the victims’ families are heard at national and international levels.
- Challenging the State Narrative – Despite threats, intimidation, and crackdowns, she continues to hold the Pakistani authorities accountable, making enforced disappearances a global human rights issue.
Her nomination signifies international recognition of the Baloch struggle—a movement that Pakistan has long tried to silence through censorship, propaganda, and brute force.
The Historic Islamabad March
In December 2023, Mahrang Baloch led a historic march from Turbat to Islamabad, demanding justice for missing Baloch individuals. The march, which covered over 1,500 kilometers, became a defining moment in Pakistan’s political landscape, as it brought the issue of enforced disappearances to national and international attention.
Despite facing state crackdowns, threats, and arrests, Mahrang and her fellow activists refused to back down. The march not only pressured the authorities to acknowledge the crisis but also exposed the state’s heavy-handed approach in dealing with dissent. The protests were met with brutal police action, with activists being detained and harassed, further amplifying concerns about Pakistan’s shrinking space for free speech and human rights.
Pakistan’s Response
The Pakistani state has historically denied allegations of systematic human rights abuses in Balochistan, often dismissing activists like Mahrang Baloch as “foreign agents” or “traitors.” Rather than addressing grievances, the government has continued to respond with censorship, police crackdowns, and media blackouts on the issue.
Even after her Nobel Peace Prize nomination, there has been little indication that Pakistan’s policies will change. Instead, activists continue to face intimidation, and families searching for their loved ones remain in limbo.
Will the Nobel Nomination Change Anything?
Mahrang Baloch’s nomination raises critical questions: Will this global recognition push Pakistan to finally address enforced disappearances? Will the international community increase pressure on Islamabad to uphold human rights?
Historically, international awards and recognition have not always led to policy changes in Pakistan. Figures like Malala Yousafzai have been celebrated globally but faced resistance at home. However, the Nobel nomination places Balochistan’s crisis on the world stage in an unprecedented way. If Mahrang wins, it could potentially force diplomatic conversations, increase international scrutiny, and make it harder for Pakistan to continue its policy of denial.
Yet, without sustained global pressure and policy interventions, the fear remains that her nomination might be celebrated in international circles but ignored where it matters most—inside Pakistan.
A Struggle Rooted in Personal Tragedy
Mahrang Baloch’s fight is not just political—it is deeply personal. Having lost her father to the very atrocities she protests against, she understands the pain of the thousands of families still waiting for their loved ones. Unlike many activists who choose exile, Mahrang has remained in Balochistan, facing immense threats from state forces. Her presence on the ground gives the movement a face—one that Pakistan’s establishment finds increasingly difficult to silence.
Global Recognition and Challenges Ahead
Mahrang Baloch’s activism has not gone unnoticed. She was recently featured in TIME100 Next 2024 as a rising global leader, an acknowledgment of her growing influence. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have also recognized her work, demanding Pakistan end its policy of enforced disappearances.
However, challenges remain. The Pakistani state continues to label Baloch activists as “separatists” or “terrorist sympathizers” in an attempt to delegitimize their movement. Despite international pressure, enforced disappearances persist, and the government refuses to acknowledge the scale of the crisis.
What Does Her Nobel Nomination Mean for Balochistan?
Mahrang Baloch’s Nobel Peace Prize nomination is more than just personal recognition—it is a political statement. It challenges Pakistan’s carefully curated global image and forces the international community to confront the country’s human rights abuses.
- Will this nomination bring global pressure on Pakistan to address enforced disappearances?
- Will the Pakistani state be forced to acknowledge and take action against the military’s role in human rights violations?
- Will Baloch families finally see justice after decades of silence and state impunity?
A Turning Point in the Fight for Justice
Mahrang Baloch’s journey from a grieving daughter to a Nobel-nominated activist is a testament to the power of resistance. Her voice, once dismissed as a lone cry for justice, has now become a rallying call for a movement that refuses to be ignored.
Whether or not she wins the Nobel Peace Prize, her nomination has already achieved something crucial: it has forced the world to pay attention to Balochistan.
The fight for justice is far from over, but with Mahrang Baloch leading the charge, hope remains alive. The question now is whether the world will stand with her—or continue to look away.
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Balochistan: A Region in Crisis Amidst Human Rights Violations
Enforced Disappearances in Balochistan: A Long-standing Crisis
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