Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch barred from travelling to US at Karachi Airport

Mahrang Baloch, a renowned Baloch nationalist and human rights activist, was stopped from boarding an international flight at Karachi Airport, 24NewsHD TV Channel reported on Tuesday.

According to the sources, Mahrang Baloch was trying to fly to the United States via a foreign airline when airport authorities prevented her from leaving the country due to her name being on the immigration stop list.

According to airport sources, Mahrang’s travel plans were thwarted as her name appeared on a government no-fly list. The reason for her inclusion on this list has not yet been clarified by officials.

In October 2024, TIME magazine recognised Mahrang Baloch as one of the 100 emerging influential leaders of the year for her bravery in confronting state oppression and advocating against enforced disappearances and human rights abuses in Balochistan. 

As the leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), Mahrang has been a vocal opponent of extrajudicial killings, disappearances, and the exploitation of Balochistan’s natural resources.

Mahrang's activism dates back to her father’s abduction in 2009, and she has since emerged as a significant figure in Balochistan's human rights movement. 

Over the years, she has led numerous protests, including the 2023 Baloch Long March from Turbat to Islamabad, demanding an end to enforced disappearances.

Reporter: Khursheed Rahmani