Irish Government Protests Pakistan’s Increasing Crackdown on Civil Society Activists in Balochistan

Irish Government Protests Pakistan’s Increasing Crackdown on Civil Society Activists in Balochistan

Dublin [Ireland], May 17, 2025 — The Irish government has expressed deep concern over the increasing repression of civil society activists in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, while reaffirming its commitment to monitoring the human rights situation in the region, The Balochistan Post has reported.

Responding to a question raised by Paul Murphy, a Member of Parliament from the “People Before Profit” party, during a session of the Irish Parliament on May 14, Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris, acknowledged the recent arrests of Baloch human rights activists Mahrang Baloch, Bibou Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, Bebarg Baloch, and Sibghatullah Shazi.

In a written response, Harris stated that the Irish Embassy in Islamabad is closely monitoring developments in the region and is coordinating diplomatic responses with the EU delegation and other like-minded partners.

Highlighting Ireland’s strong stance on the protection of global human rights, Harris emphasized that freedom of expression, peaceful protest, and political participation are core principles of Ireland’s foreign and trade policy.

He said, “The situation in Balochistan is deeply concerning. Ireland is committed to ensuring that fundamental rights are respected globally.”

Harris further noted that democracy, the rule of law, and civil liberties were among the issues discussed in the context of EU-Pakistan relations, particularly during the 14th EU-Pakistan Joint Commission held in November 2024. The EU's Human Rights Subcommittee raised these matters as well.

These issues are also linked to Pakistan’s participation in the GSP+ scheme, which ties trade benefits to the implementation of international human rights treaties.

International human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned the rising number of enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests in Balochistan. They have accused the Pakistani state of suppressing freedom of expression and unlawfully silencing political activists.

On March 22, 2025, Mahrang Baloch and other members of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) were arrested at Quetta Civil Hospital on charges of “inciting violence” and “attacking” the facility, according to Dawn. The arrests came a day after a police crackdown on BYC members who were protesting against enforced disappearances in Quetta.