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The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Tuesday demanded \u201cfreedom of movement\u201d for rights activist Dr Mahrang Baloch after she was allegedly prevented from boarding a flight to the United States to attend an event.<\/p>\n
Last week, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee leader was featured<\/a> in Time<\/em> magazine\u2019s \u20182024 Time100 Next\u2019 list for \u201cadvocating peacefully for Baloch rights\u201d.<\/p>\n The list showcased 100 young individuals \u201cwho are not waiting long in life to make an impact\u201d and included artists, athletes, and advocates. The magazine said the list aimed \u201cto recognise that influence does not have [requirements] \u2026 nor does leadership look like it once did\u201d.<\/p>\n Last night, she alleged<\/a> she was offloaded<\/a> by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) at Karachi\u2019s Jinnah International Airport from a flight to the US via Dubai to attend a gala by the magazine.<\/p>\n Dawn.com<\/em> has made attempts to get FIA\u2019s version on the matter.<\/p>\n In a statement<\/a> issued today, the HRCP condemned Mahrang allegedly not being allowed to travel.<\/p>\n It added that the activist was reportedly given no reason for being prevented from boarding the flight, pointing out that she was not placed on the Exit Control List either.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are also concerned to learn that her passport and mobile phone were reportedly confiscated by law enforcement authorities.\u201d<\/p>\n Lauding her work to highlight issues in Balochistan, the HRCP pointed out that she was internationally recognised for her efforts.<\/p>\n \u201cTo prevent her from travelling overseas is a flagrant violation of her right to freedom of movement and expression. She must be allowed to travel freely and safely within and outside the country.\u201d<\/p>\n UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders Mary Lawlor said<\/a> she was \u201cvery concerned\u201d by the alleged incident and the \u201creported harassment, intimidation and mistreatment that followed\u201d.<\/p>\n