Mahrang Baloch, an organizer of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, has been named one of TIME magazine’s 100 emerging influential leaders of 2024. Recognized for her extraordinary courage and tireless advocacy against state oppression, Mahrang’s journey from a grieving daughter to a key figure in the Baloch resistance movement has captured global attention.
Her activism began at the age of 16, when her father Abdull Ghafoor langov was allegedly abducted by Pakistani security forces on 12 December 2009, as he was en route to a hospital in Karachi. Her immediate response was to protest, which thrust her into the heart of the Baloch student resistance movement. Her father’s body was discovered in ist July of 2011, showing clear signs of torture a devastating revelation that only strengthened her resolve.
The pain did not stop there. On 15th December 2017, her brother Nasir Baloch was abducted by Pakistani agencies and Mahrang waged a determined campaign for his safe recovery while continuing to fight for justice for his brother After a long and hard-fought battle, she was able to recover her brother alive from Pakistani torture cells.
Since then, Mahrang has remained steadfast in her activism, becoming a leading voice in the struggle for Balochistan’s rights. She has led protests against exploiting the province’s natural resources and organized a movement to protect educational quotas for students from remote areas. In 2020, she led a group of students in a successful protest at Bolan Medical College, preventing a policy change that would have marginalized students from rural regions.
Her activism reached new heights in 2024, when she led a series of protests across Pakistan, decrying enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. This movement was sparked by the death of 24-year-old Balach Mola Bakhsh, a young Baloch man who allegedly died in police custody. Mahrang and hundreds of other protesters began marching toward Islamabad, demanding justice and an end to the persecution of the Baloch people. Despite peaceful intentions, they were met with violence by Pakistani police, who used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the demonstrators. Mahrang, along with 200 others, was arrested during the protest.
Despite the repression, Mahrang’s voice continues to resonate globally. In recognition of her relentless fight for justice and unyielding bravery, TIME magazine included her in their prestigious list of 100 emerging leaders of 2024. Her story is one of defiance, strength, and unwavering dedication to the cause of human rights in Balochistan, where many have been silenced by fear or violence.
Mahrang Baloch’s rise to global recognition is a testament to the power of resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. Her leadership and courage have made her a key figure in Balochistan’s struggle and a symbol of hope for oppressed people worldwide.
