Dr. Mahrang Baloch, one of the prominent voices for the Baloch community, has been recognized in Time magazine’s prestigious 100 Most Influential People of 2024 list. As the key organizer of the Baloch Unity Committee, Dr. Mahrang Baloch has consistently worked to shed light on the injustices faced by her people, making her a significant figure in the global human rights landscape.
In an interview with Time, Dr. Mahrang Baloch shared the harsh reality of life as a Baloch activist. At just 31 years old, she faces constant threats, including harassment, arrests, and even assassination attempts. “Maybe I’ll live to see the day when my community is free from turmoil,” she says, voicing the uncertainty that defines life for many Baloch activists. Over the past two decades, the Pakistani government has intensified its crackdown on the Baloch minority, leading to large-scale enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Tragically, Dr. Mahrang Baloch’s own father, a political activist, was a victim of this repression—his body was recovered in 2011 after he was reported missing.
With many men from her community either dead or disappeared, women like Dr. Mahrang Baloch have taken on leadership roles, advocating for justice and rights. Last December, Dr. Mahrang Baloch led a historic long march to Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad. The peaceful protest, involving hundreds of women, demanded answers about their missing husbands, sons, and brothers. This march, which brought the struggle of the Baloch community into the national spotlight, was organized under the Gwadar Baloch Raji Machi banner. It saw thousands of people from various cities unite, peacefully resisting the state’s atrocities.
Dr. Mahrang Baloch remains unwavering in her mission. Despite the dangers, she believes in continuing the fight for humanity. “There’s danger, there’s cruelty,” she says. “But we will keep pushing forward.” She is confident that the movement she helped ignite will maintain its momentum and lead to lasting change for the Baloch people.
Her inclusion in Time’s 2024 list of influential people not only highlights her personal courage but also draws global attention to the ongoing struggle for Baloch rights. As Dr. Mahrang Baloch continues to lead peaceful efforts to secure justice for her community, her influence is likely to grow, inspiring others to support the cause.
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