The recent turmoil orchestrated by Mehrang Baloch over the handling of the bodies of Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) terrorists reveals a well-coordinated propaganda campaign aimed at undermining Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts. Her repeated attempts to disrupt legal procedures and paint militants as victims expose the lengths to which she and her backers are willing to go in order to manipulate public perception. What appears to be activism on the surface is, in reality, a calculated effort to shield known terrorists and destabilize the state.
This is not the first time Mehrang has attempted to create chaos over the handling of terrorist bodies. A year ago, she was involved in a similar situation following the Mach attack, where she sought to retrieve bodies without proper identification or medical and legal verification. When authorities identified one of the attackers as Wadood Satakzai, the brother of BYC activist Gulzadi, Mehrang falsely claimed he was a missing person, deliberately misleading the public. Now, she is repeating the same tactic following the Bolan operation, attempting to prevent the identification of BLA terrorists, presumably to avoid further exposure of the group’s operatives.
Across the world, the bodies of terrorists are subjected to thorough legal procedures before disposal. Pakistan is following the same protocol, ensuring that there is due process in handling the remains of individuals who were part of outlawed organizations. However, Mehrang’s interference seeks to create unnecessary confrontation, falsely framing legal procedures as state oppression. This calculated move aims to trigger international outcry and paint Pakistan as a country suppressing ethnic minorities, when in reality, it is acting within the legal framework that all sovereign nations follow in counterterrorism operations. Her alignment with international media and foreign-backed narratives is no coincidence. The coverage by certain Western outlets, especially the BBC, in promoting her stance raises serious concerns about external involvement in shaping anti-Pakistan discourse.
While Mehrang continues to project herself as a human rights activist, a closer look at her background reveals a striking contradiction. Official records from the Balochistan Health Department confirm that she has been a direct beneficiary of the state’s resources, receiving full financial support for her medical education. She completed her MBBS degree with state funding amounting to nearly 10 million rupees, received monthly scholarships during her studies, and has been earning substantial stipends in her medical training. Despite this, she now stands as one of the most vocal critics of the very state that provided her with these privileges. Her betrayal of the institutions that facilitated her education and career development exposes her duplicity and raises serious questions about her moral standing.
The ethical dilemma here is clear: should individuals who benefit from state resources be allowed to use their influence to propagate anti-state rhetoric? While freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it cannot be used as a shield to justify blatant misinformation and support for terrorists. Mehrang’s actions go beyond activism; they align with the interests of banned militant organizations, which makes her a liability to national security. The recent attack on the hospital in Quetta, allegedly incited by Mehrang and her supporters, underscores the dangerous path her movement has taken. Storming a medical facility, harassing doctors, and terrorizing patients cannot be justified under any circumstances.
Pakistan must take a firm stance against such deceptive activism. There is an urgent need to expose Mehrang’s propaganda for what it is—a foreign-backed campaign designed to foster instability in Balochistan. Legal action should be pursued against those who obstruct counterterrorism efforts and disrupt lawful procedures. The state cannot afford to allow individuals like Mehrang to exploit tragic incidents for their own political agendas while simultaneously benefiting from state resources.
The people of Balochistan must also recognize the reality of Mehrang’s agenda. Her focus remains on shielding terrorists, not advocating for the development and prosperity of the Baloch population. If she were truly concerned about the well-being of the Baloch people, her activism would be centered around economic progress, infrastructure development, and education—areas where genuine change can improve lives. Instead, her entire narrative revolves around defending BLA militants and challenging the state’s efforts to maintain security and stability.
Mehrang Baloch’s activism is a façade for a much larger operation designed to discredit Pakistan’s sovereignty. Her attempts to create artificial crises, disrupt counterterrorism procedures, and mislead international audiences must be met with unwavering resolve. Pakistan must stand firm in ensuring that those who engage in such propaganda are held accountable, protecting both its territorial integrity and the truth from being distorted by those who seek to harm its stability.