The dusty town of Mand in Balochistan, Pakistan, has become the latest flashpoint in a region long marred by unrest and allegations of state oppression. On September 25, 2025, tensions reached a boiling point as protesters accused Pakistani security forces and state-backed groups of using intimidation and arrests to silence peaceful demonstrations against the alleged extrajudicial killings of Baloch youth. The events, widely reported by The Balochistan Post and ANI, have drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates and ignited urgent debate about freedom of expression and political activism in the province.
At the heart of the recent turmoil lies a demonstration organized by the Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC), a group that has become a prominent voice for Baloch rights. The protest was sparked by the killings of three young men: Izhar, son of Mullah Mujeeb; Mullah Bahram Baloch; and Jalal, son of Haji Yar Muhammad. According to locals, these deaths occurred within hours of each other and were described as targeted attacks carried out by militias allegedly backed by state authorities—groups often referred to as "Death Squads." The rapid succession of these killings sent shockwaves through the community, prompting an outpouring of grief and anger.
During the demonstration, protest leader Mullah Rashid did not mince words. He publicly accused authorities of committing what he called "Baloch genocide," a charge that has become a rallying cry for many in the region. But Rashid's boldness came at a steep personal cost. As The Balochistan Post reports, he was soon summoned to a military facility, where he was tortured and coerced into recording a confession video. After his release, Rashid was rearrested by local police, reportedly on orders from intelligence agencies. His ordeal has become emblematic of the risks faced by those who dare to speak out in Balochistan.
The crackdown did not stop with Rashid. Schoolteacher Saima Sarwar was another protest participant who faced swift retribution. She was called into her principal's office, where Rahima—the sister of former federal minister Zubaida Jalal—summarily dismissed her from her job. There was no prior notice, no legal process, and no opportunity for Sarwar to defend herself. Her firing, observers say, was a clear warning to others who might consider joining the protests: dissent comes at a price.
Family members of other demonstrators found themselves caught in the crosshairs as well. According to multiple reports, relatives were threatened directly or summoned to military camps. There, they were warned to prevent their children from participating in further protests. Some families were even cautioned that continued involvement in political gatherings could lead to enforced disappearance—a chilling prospect in a region where such disappearances are not uncommon. These tactics, critics argue, form part of a broader strategy to mute critical voices and deter opposition to Pakistani forces' activities in Balochistan.
Human rights advocates have sounded the alarm about the escalating crackdown. They warn that such measures could deepen already simmering tensions in the province, erode what little trust remains in state institutions, and fuel further unrest. The consequences, they argue, are not limited to the immediate victims of intimidation and violence. The broader community is left grappling with fear, uncertainty, and a sense of injustice that threatens to undermine prospects for peace and reconciliation.
"These actions are part of a broader attempt by the state to silence dissenting voices and deter criticism of Pakistani forces in Balochistan," noted The Balochistan Post. The sentiment was echoed by observers cited in Devdiscourse, who described the crackdown as a deliberate strategy to suppress opposition and stifle debate. The wave of intimidation has also drawn attention to the precarious state of freedom of expression in Balochistan—a region where speaking out can have dire consequences.
For many in Mand and across Balochistan, the events of late September are all too familiar. The province has a long history of conflict, marked by cycles of violence, enforced disappearances, and allegations of human rights abuses. The recent crackdown, however, has brought renewed scrutiny to the methods employed by security forces and their alleged proxies. The use of so-called "Death Squads"—militias reportedly backed by state authorities—has become a particularly contentious issue, with locals blaming these groups for a spate of targeted killings.
Observers say that the heavy-handed response to peaceful protests is likely to backfire. Rather than quelling dissent, such actions may only serve to radicalize segments of the population and deepen the divide between the state and the Baloch community. "Human rights advocates warn that the crackdown could further deepen tensions in the province, eroding trust in state institutions and fuelling unrest," ANI reported. The warning is a stark reminder of the potential consequences of suppressing legitimate grievances through force and intimidation.
The situation in Mand has also highlighted the vulnerability of those who choose to engage in political activism. The experiences of Rashid and Sarwar—both targeted for their roles in the protest—underscore the risks faced by activists, educators, and ordinary citizens alike. The message sent by their treatment is clear: challenging the status quo in Balochistan can result in personal and professional ruin, or worse.
Yet, despite the dangers, many in Balochistan remain undeterred. The persistence of protests, even in the face of intimidation, suggests a deep-seated desire for justice and accountability. The BYC and other groups continue to organize and speak out, drawing attention to the plight of the Baloch people and demanding answers for the deaths of young men like Izhar, Bahram, and Jalal.
The international community has taken note of the escalating tensions, with human rights organizations urging Pakistani authorities to respect the rights of protesters and ensure due process for those accused of wrongdoing. There is a growing chorus of voices calling for transparency, accountability, and an end to the cycle of violence that has plagued Balochistan for decades.
As the dust settles in Mand, the questions raised by recent events remain unresolved. Will the crackdown succeed in silencing dissent, or will it galvanize further resistance? Can trust in state institutions be restored, or is the divide too deep to bridge? For now, the people of Balochistan are left to navigate an uncertain future—one shaped by courage, fear, and the enduring struggle for justice.