Pakistan faces an increasingly sophisticated insurgent propaganda campaign that exploits human rights discourse to provide cover for terrorism. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), classified as a terrorist organization by multiple nations, has forged a troubling alliance with the Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC), led by Mahrang Baloch. This partnership is not merely ideological; it serves a calculated purpose of furthering militant activities while twisting the narrative surrounding the issue of “missing persons” to their advantage.
Take, for instance, the case of Naeem Satakzai, who was publicly acknowledged by the BLA as having been involved in several targeted killings. Similarly, Noor Zaman Baloch and Nadeem were tragically among the casualties during the 2019 Jaffer Express attack, revealing a sinister pattern: individuals engaged in acts of terrorism are often declared “missing” posthumously, only to provoke public outrage and garner international sympathy. Even suicide bombers, like Suhaib Baloch-originating from the BLA’s notorious Majeed Brigade-are deceptively portrayed as victims of enforced disappearances. This calculated misrepresentation is not just harmful; it assaults the very fabric of truth and accountability in society.
The distortion of narratives extends beyond isolated incidents. Protests and sit-ins organized by the BYC frequently unfold immediately before or during terrorist attacks, serving as tactical signals for BLA operatives. For example, the “Raji Machi” sit-ins have regrettably evolved into precursors of impending violence, effectively acting as a cover for BLA’s actions. Furthermore, the social media campaigns led by BYC activists systematically distort reality, reshaping slain terrorists into martyrs and discrediting crucial security operations. A notable instance is that of Engineer Zaheer Baloch, who was falsely reported dead in a “fake encounter” but was later found alive in Iran. Despite the truth becoming known, the initial misinformation triggered protests, paralyzed roads, and escalated anti-state sentiment, displaying the damaging ripple effect of such narratives. This is not grassroots activism; it is asymmetric warfare manifested through the manipulation of public perception.
Mahrang Baloch’s background underscores the hypocrisy inherent in this movement. Her father, Ghaffar Lango, was a founding member of the BLA, boasting involvement in the deaths of over 250 Punjabis. In stark contrast, the state has shown remarkable leniency toward her, allowing her admission to Bolan Medical College with just 58 marks, along with a stipend and a subsequent government job. While benefiting from state resources, she established the BYC, masquerading as a proponent of human rights advocacy, never once condemning the BLA’s violent tactics. Her silence is not one of neutrality; it is complicity. Whenever the BLA claims responsibility for an attack, the BYC reinterprets these perpetrators as victims, while framing genuine victims as the offenders. There are powerful lobbying efforts now aiming to recast her as a “human rights champion,” even nominating her for prestigious accolades like the Nobel Prize, all the while conveniently overlooking her role in glorifying militancy and advancing foreign agendas-most notably those linked to RAW, India’s intelligence agency, which seeks to destabilize Pakistan.
To confront this multifaceted challenge, Pakistan must act with unwavering clarity and resolve. The first step is legal: the government should swiftly pursue proceedings to declare the BYC a terrorist organization under both national and international laws. This designation would effectively dismantle its operational framework and invalidate its propaganda narrative. Additionally, the state must enhance strategic communication efforts to craft a counter-narrative that lays bare the BYC-BLA connection, educates the public, and protects families from manipulation. Security operations need to be supported by judicial reforms that ensure due process while enabling swift action against those facilitating terrorism. Furthermore, Pakistan must actively engage with international allies to counter lobbying initiatives that attempt to sanitize terrorism under the guise of activism. Most critically, we must provide the youth of Balochistan with legitimate alternatives-through comprehensive education, sustainable employment, and inclusive opportunities. This battle transcends mere territorial disputes; it is fundamentally a struggle for the hearts and minds of the people.
The time for ambiguity has long since passed. The BYC-BLA alliance does not represent a legitimate human rights movement; rather, it is a ploy that jeopardizes national unity, exploiting the suffering of families for militant objectives. Pakistan must act decisively to dismantle this alliance, ensuring the restoration of truth, dignity, and enduring peace in Balochistan.