From protest icon to prison cell: Dr Mahrang Baloch 

Prominent Baloch activist Dr Mahrang Baloch has been sentenced to life imprisonment by an anti-terrorism court

Prominent Baloch activist Dr Mahrang Baloch has been sentenced to life imprisonment by an anti-terrorism court along with fellow activist Sibghatullah Shah in connection with a protest held in Gwadar in 2024.

The court convicted both activists on charges of terrorism, sedition and murder linked to the death of a paramilitary soldier during the protest.

The accused have denied all allegations. Their legal team has announced plans to challenge the verdict in higher courts.

Dr Mahrang Baloch emerged as one of the most prominent voices on the issue of missing persons in Balochistan. Her activism was shaped by personal tragedy after her father, political activist Abdul Ghaffar Langove, disappeared in 2009. His body was reportedly recovered years later.

The incident pushed Mahrang into public activism at a young age. She later became one of the leading figures representing families searching for missing relatives in the province.

For nearly two decades, human rights organisations and local activists have raised concerns over enforced disappearances in Balochistan. They claim that thousands of people have gone missing during security operations carried out against separatist insurgent groups.

Pakistani authorities reject allegations of systematic disappearances. Officials maintain that many missing individuals joined militant organisations, moved abroad or returned home after investigations.

Balochistan remains Pakistan’s largest province by area and is rich in natural resources including gas, coal, copper and gold. Despite its vast resources, the province continues to face economic challenges, underdevelopment and security concerns.

Separatist violence has intensified in recent years. Militant organisations have carried out attacks targeting security forces, government installations and infrastructure projects.

Through the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, Mahrang organised protests, awareness campaigns and long marches demanding information about missing persons and calling for legal protections for affected families.

Supporters describe her as a peaceful human rights activist who highlighted the suffering of families searching for missing relatives. Critics and some government officials accuse her movement of promoting narratives that benefit separatist groups, allegations she has repeatedly denied.

Mahrang gained international attention for her activism and advocacy work. Her campaigns focused on human rights, political freedoms and social justice issues in Balochistan.

Her family has criticised the trial proceedings and questioned the transparency of the legal process. They allege that the defence was denied proper access to evidence and witness statements during the case.

The family insists that the legal battle is not over and says it will continue pursuing all available constitutional and judicial options.