A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has sentenced Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a prominent activist known for her advocacy for individuals subjected to enforced disappearances in Balochistan province, to life imprisonment. She was convicted of terrorism, sedition, and murder charges related to the death of a paramilitary soldier during a protest in Gwadar in 2024.
Baloch, 33, and fellow activist Sibghatullah Shah, were sentenced on Monday. Both have denied the charges and are expected to appeal the verdict. Baloch's sister, Nadia Baloch, who is part of her legal team, stated that the family intends to challenge the decision in higher courts.
For Mahrang Baloch, the fight against enforced disappearances is deeply personal. Her father, Abdul Ghaffar Langove, a political activist, disappeared in 2009 when she was 16. Her family later learned his body had been found, showing signs of severe torture. This experience significantly shaped her activism.
Baloch rose to become one of the most visible figures in a movement seeking answers for families in Balochistan whose relatives have disappeared. She had previously been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her work. She was arrested in 2025.
