UN Special Rapporteur Expresses Concern Over Addition of Baloch Activists to Terror Watchlist

Baloch human rights activists have faced increased persecution under Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Act, with more than 100 being added to the Fourth Schedule, a list that restricts their rights. The move has been met with international concern, with UN Special Rapporteur Mary Lawlor stating that the listing "does not meet international human rights law requirements." The addition of activists like Sabiha Baloch, Shalee Baloch, and Sammi Deen has sparked outrage, with many labeling it an "alarming misuse of anti-terrorism laws." The Baloch Yakjehti Committee has condemned the move, with leader Dr. Sabiha Baloch accusing the government of weaponizing anti-terrorism laws against political opponents and human rights activists.

Key Takeaways:

• The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Mary Lawlor, expressed concern over the inclusion of several Baloch activists on Pakistan's terrorist Watchlist under Section 11-EE of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997.
• The listings of Sabiha Baloch, Shalee Baloch, and Sammi Deen, among others, impose multiple restrictions on the activists' right to defend human rights, including intense state surveillance and severe limitations on movement.
• Since the Pakistan People's Party assumed power in Balochistan, the abuse of anti-terrorism legislation has intensified, as stated by BYC leader Dr. Sabiha Baloch.
• The designation under the Fourth Schedule allows authorities to investigate and freeze financial assets of the listed individuals, making it difficult to determine the true number on the list.
• Activists are often not officially informed of their inclusion, and may only find out after facing restrictions on travel or finances.
• Previous actions include the addition of BYC leaders Mahrang Baloch and Sibaghatullah Shah to the Fourth Schedule in October 2024, as well as the dismantling of a peaceful protest camp set up by the families of political prisoners in April 2025.
• The BYC organized a Baloch Raaji Muchi (Baloch National Gathering) against the Baloch genocide on July 28, 2024, and a protest march was sparked by the death of Balaach Mola Bakhsh in November 2023.

Statistics:

• Over 100 human rights activists from Khuzdar, Kech, Chagai, and other districts across Balochistan have been added to the Fourth Schedule of Pakistan's ATA.
• The designation under the Fourth Schedule subjects individuals to intense state surveillance and severely restricts movement.
• The BYC claimed three of its members were killed and another 13 injured during a violent confrontation with the Police on March 21, 2025.
• Balochistan authorities claimed that 10 Policemen sustained injuries during the clashes.
• A pre-dawn raid led to the arrest of Mahrang Baloch and another 16 activists on March 22, 2025.
• The province saw a complete shutter-down strike on March 23, 2025, with tyres burnt, roads and major highways closed for traffic.

Sources:

• United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Mary Lawlor, statement on X (formerly Twitter)
• Baloch Yakjehti Committee statement on X
• BYC statement condemning the Police dismantling of a peaceful protest camp
• Various news sources and reports from Balochistan.