Quetta, July 2: Human rights organizations have strongly reacted to the arrest of Syed Bibi, a female activist and member of the Baloch United Committee (BUC), in Balochistan. They allege that this action is part of a growing repression against peaceful political activists, labeling it as ‘extreme fascism’ in Pakistan.
According to the BUC, Syed Bibi was arrested on July 1 by Pakistan’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) from her home in the Kech district without any legal procedure. Despite being listed under Pakistan’s anti-terrorism law’s ‘Fourth Schedule,’ she had been regularly reporting to the CTD office every week for the past four months, complying with administrative directives.
The BUC also claims that prior to her arrest, CTD officials harassed Syed Bibi multiple times over the phone following the announcement of a proposed protest in the Turbat area of Kech.
The organization stated, “The Fourth Schedule of the anti-terrorism law is being used to suppress the activities of political activists, students, teachers, and ordinary citizens in Balochistan. Many students have been unable to continue their studies due to this law, and individuals listed are summoned to the CTD office for questioning and harassment whenever protests are announced.”
The Baloch Human Rights Council (BHRC) expressed concern over Syed Bibi’s arrest, stating that it is part of the ongoing alleged persecution and intimidation against her over the past few years.
According to the BHRC, “In the last two years, Syed Bibi has faced several punitive actions. Despite not being publicly convicted in any terrorism-related case in 2025, her name was included in Pakistan’s ‘Fourth Schedule’ monitoring list.”
The organization also claimed that in March 2026, individuals in plain clothes, allegedly linked to intelligence agencies, searched her home without a warrant and vandalized the premises.
The BHRC asserts that this is not an isolated incident but part of a broader and systematic campaign against individuals associated with or perceived to support the BUC.
The Baloch Women’s Forum (BWF) condemned the arrest, stating, “Detaining an individual to prevent peaceful political activities is a serious violation of fundamental rights such as personal freedom, freedom of expression, the right to assemble, and the right to form associations.”
The BWF has called on the United Nations, international human rights organizations, and the global community to intervene for Syed Bibi’s immediate release. They also urged monitoring of the alleged misuse of anti-terrorism laws and compliance with domestic laws and international human rights standards in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Baloch National Movement (BNM) President Naseem Baloch accused the arrest of being another link in the rising cases of enforced disappearances in Balochistan. He stated on the social media platform X, “The international community, the United Nations, and human rights organizations must take note of this case and pressure Pakistan to stop enforced disappearances.”
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