Quetta, September 6 (Daily Kiran) : A prominent human rights organization has condemned the arrest of retired police surgeon Dr. Ayesha Faiz, labeling it a manifestation of the “growing scope of unannounced martial law” in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. The Baloch Youth Committee (BYC) issued a statement on X, alleging that collective punishment and the ongoing genocide of Baloch people are escalating unabated in the region.
The committee highlighted that the destruction of fruit orchards in Mastung is part of this collective punishment. They asserted that Dr. Faiz’s arrest for speaking out against these atrocities exemplifies the increasing repression in Balochistan. “The ongoing campaign of collective punishment and the genocide of Baloch people is intensifying,” the BYC stated.
Furthermore, the committee pointed to threats made to orchard owners in Mastung as clear indications of the government’s brutal repression and policy of collective punishment. They condemned the actions of Pakistani authorities, calling the destruction of orchards and intimidation of citizens completely unacceptable.
In their official statement on social media, the BYC emphasized, “Whenever a citizen raises their voice against these atrocities and human rights violations, they become targets of state power. Dr. Ayesha Faiz’s arrest by the notorious Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) is another example of the strict prohibition on voicing political and social issues in Balochistan.”
Reiterating their commitment to resist government brutality, the BYC declared, “We want to make it clear that every possible means will be employed to protest against state violence and oppression in Balochistan.” Local media reported that Dr. Faiz was arrested under Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) following a press conference in Quetta, where she criticized Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti and the state’s Home Minister.
According to reports from The Balochistan Post, Dr. Faiz had discussed the political situation in Balochistan, its historical context, and recent events during her press conference. She also criticized Bugti’s comments regarding the destruction of apple orchards in Mastung and the potential displacement of residents amid future violent incidents.
Police sources confirmed that multiple charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act have been filed against Dr. Faiz. However, specific details regarding the charges, the basis for her arrest, and the legal proceedings have yet to be disclosed.
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