Balochistan [Pakistan], April 5 (ANI) — The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has accused state authorities of increasing intimidation and coercion against peaceful activists across Balochistan. In a press release shared on X, the group said members and supporters have been repeatedly summoned to security offices where they and their relatives were pressured to record video statements disassociating themselves from the organisation.
BYC described the recorded declarations as produced under duress and argued they misrepresent the committee’s peaceful aims. The group said the campaign of harassment is intended to undermine its credibility and spread fear among activists and communities.
The committee contends these actions violate Pakistan’s Constitution, citing Article 19 (freedom of expression) and Article 16 (right to peaceful assembly), and breach international obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). BYC also noted that Mary Lawlor, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights Defenders, has reportedly expressed concern about the treatment of activists in Pakistan, including issues affecting BYC members.
Warning that suppressing peaceful voices will deepen mistrust and alienation rather than restore stability, BYC urged authorities to end the alleged harassment and honour constitutional and international commitments. The group appealed to national and international human rights organisations to intervene and seek accountability, and reaffirmed its commitment to lawful, nonviolent advocacy for justice and dignity in Balochistan. (ANI)
