Why I Wrote About Dr Sabiha
Before beginning this feature, let me address an important point: I generally avoid writing about living individuals. Dr Sabiha Baloch herself explained this idea during Baloch Students Council Islamabad’s (BSC Islamabad) third annual literary and educational festival in November 2024, when she said:
“Truth belongs to its era; what was once true may no longer hold. As times change, truth evolves.”
Her acknowledgment of the transient nature of ideas and the possibility of personal evolution is why I hesitate to document living figures. People, circumstances, and truths evolve over time, and what is relevant today may not remain so in the future.
Yet, I chose to make an exception for Dr Sabiha because her story transcends personal achievements. It reflects the collective struggles of her people and the broader fight for justice and dignity. This feature highlights the lessons from her journey and the courage she represents, not to glorify her as an individual but to illuminate a movement.
A guiding force in Balochistan
At first glance, Dr Sabiha Baloch may appear to be an ordinary young physician from Balochistan, but to countless students, grieving families, and human rights activists, she represents much more—a symbol of hope in a region plausible by enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and a prolonged struggle for identity.
Born in Zawa, a small village in Khuzdar, Dr Sabiha grew up excelling academically. She won a provincial science fair, but when she qualified for a national competition in Karachi, tribal customs prevented her from traveling. Disheartened but determined, she eventually resumed her education by enrolling at a local college, despite its lack of proper resources. To support herself financially, she tutored students while continuing her studies (Hazaran Rahim Dad, The Contrapuntal).
Her life changed significantly when she joined the National Science Academy, founded by Professor Abdul Razaq Zehri, a renowned educator committed to teaching marginalised communities despite facing constant threats. His dedication to education deeply influenced Dr Sabiha, inspiring her to view learning as a form of resistance. Even after his tragic assassination in 2013, she remained committed to carrying forward his legacy.
After completing her intermediate studies, Dr Sabiha moved to Quetta and secured third place in the Bolan Medical College entrance exam. It was during her time at Bolan Medical College that her activism began. Witnessing widespread oppression in Balochistan, she became active in student politics and joined the Baloch Students Action Committee (BSAC), an organisation that unites and politicise Baloch students to fight for their rights. The enforced disappearances of her peers and the militarisation of campuses pushed her to raise her voice, laying the foundation for her role as a leading voice for justice and dignity in the region.
Her leadership style—focused, pragmatic, and grounded in teamwork—set a standard for student activism in the region. She often spoke out against what she called “fashion politics” and warned against prioritising self-promotion over meaningful work
Reflecting on her activism, Dr Sabiha once said:
“I did not choose politics; politics chose me so that I could try to address the issues of my people.”
Her journey from a determined student to a fearless activist continues to inspire many. Over the years, she has become a symbol of hope for Baloch students, a source of strength for grieving families, and a voice for an oppressed nation. Whether standing at the gravesite of a young victim of a ‘fake encounter,’ or debating policy in a cramped student hostel, she has consistently fought for justice.
This is the story of a woman whose journey has been shaped by a tireless struggle against systemic oppression, tribal patriarchy, and a strong will to resist. Her writings, speeches, and interviews reveal a determined figure who refuses to let her homeland suffer in silence, leaving an enduring legacy for Balochistan’s fight for justice and dignity.
Leading BSAC: collective thought and responsibility
A major turning point in Dr Sabiha’s journey came when she was elected chairperson of the Baloch Students Action Committee (BSAC)—a significant achievement in a region where women have traditionally faced many barriers. She became only the second female student leader in Balochistan’s history to hold such a position, joining the ranks of those who opened the door for a new generation of women to rise and claim their rightful place in the fight for their nation’s dignity.
On 5 April 2021, as the newly appointed chairperson, Dr Sabiha chaired the first central committee meeting of BSAC. According to The Balochistan Post, she reminded her fellow members:
“An organisation is the name of collective thought, and organisations cannot succeed in their goals unless all members realise their responsibilities.”
Her leadership style—focused, pragmatic, and grounded in teamwork—set a standard for student activism in the region. She often spoke out against what she called “fashion politics” and warned against prioritising self-promotion over meaningful work:
“In such an environment, showy slogans are replacing real work. Narcissistic attitudes lead to division and small organisations. We need to focus on genuine struggle instead of promoting ourselves on social media. Without true dedication, our politics will not stand the test of time.”
Under her leadership, BSAC expanded its influence significantly, offering support to students across Balochistan facing systemic oppression. For many, BSAC became a lifeline of support during difficult times. Her leadership encouraged students to see activism not as an individual endeavour but as a collective movement, motivating them to challenge systemic oppression together.
Dr Sabiha’s time as chairperson ended in 2023, but her dedication to advocacy and activism continued and took on new forms.
Leadership beyond BSAC: joining BYC
Dr Sabiha Baloch’s journey as an activist shows her shift from leading the Baloch Students Action Committee (BSAC), where she focused on uniting and mobilising students, to becoming a central figure in the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), addressing larger issues like enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and systemic oppression.
Despite the escalating risks, her courage and determination turned her into a symbol of resistance, representing Balochistan’s fight for justice and dignity
Joining BYC in 2023 marked an important shift, enabling her to mobilise families of the disappeared and unite the Baloch nation through protests, marches, and public gatherings. Her leadership in BYC demonstrated her adaptability and commitment to bridging societal divides, making her a source of hope for countless people across Balochistan.
While her activism with BYC expanded her influence and impact, it also attracted greater attention and threats from both state authorities and conservative elements, putting her at increased risk.
The price of activism: threats and challenges faced by Dr Sabiha Baloch
Dr Sabiha Baloch’s activism has placed her in constant danger, facing threats, violence, and systemic intimidation. Her leadership in student and grassroots movements made her a target of both state authorities and conservative tribal norms.
Her troubles began in 2019 when she received her first threat from law enforcement agencies after publicly raising concerns about a scandal at the University of Balochistan where students were blackmailed. This marked the beginning of a pattern of harassment that would follow her throughout her activism.
In 2021, during her tenure as chairperson of the Baloch Students Action Committee (BSAC), her brother was forcibly disappeared from his hostel—a clear warning to silence her. Though he was eventually released, the emotional and educational toll on her family was profound. For Dr Sabiha, the disappearance of her brother was not just a personal tragedy—it became a chilling reminder of the risks involved in her fight for justice.
Her involvement in the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) escalated these challenges. In 2024, during a sit-in protest in Quetta, Dr Sabiha was arrested and beaten by police, who warned her of continued surveillance. Later that year, during the Baloch Raaji Muchi (Baloch National Gathering), her home was raided, and her family members were falsely charged.
Despite state-sponsored campaigns accusing her of blasphemy and inciting violence, she refused to back down. Even in the face of Frontier Corps crackdowns, with indiscriminate firing on protesters, Dr Sabiha continued to lead demonstrations and gatherings. Despite the escalating risks, her courage and determination turned her into a symbol of resistance, representing Balochistan’s fight for justice and dignity.
Challenging oppression: turning grief into resistance
The people of Balochistan live under constant threats of violence, enforced disappearances, and systemic oppression. Over time, this has created a dangerous sense of numbness, where suffering is normalised, and society turns a blind eye to injustice. Dr Sabiha has frequently highlighted this mindset, urging her people to confront these harsh realities rather than accept them in silence.
For Dr Sabiha, resistance is not a choice but a necessity. She sees it as the only way for her people to reclaim their dignity and future
She believes that silence is more dangerous than fear. In her article “Give Direction to the Protest, Sir”, she criticised superficial reactions to systemic problems and called on her peers to address the deeper causes of oppression. She argued that blaming figureheads or scapegoats won’t solve anything unless the root structures of power are challenged:
“This incident is part of the chain of obstacles on the path of education, and the solution to overcoming it is to raise our voices against every link in that chain.”
In that same piece, she also wrote a line that highlighted how denying education was a deliberate tactic of oppression, stressing that keeping the oppressed away from learning was no accident.
“My ignorance was certainly aware of this much,
Keeping me away from books was no accident.”
She was talking about a scandal at Balochistan University—a troubling incident involving blackmail of students—but her message went beyond that. Dr Sabiha explained that problems such as extrajudicial killings, psychological harassment, and everyday oppression in Balochistan are all connected.
This belief in addressing systemic issues became her hallmark as a leader. At BSAC’s Third Council Session in Quetta, she expressed concern over society’s growing apathy:
“Bodies are thrown in front of us, yet we don’t see them. Our people starve, yet we don’t notice. Taking pride in this state is taking pride in dehumanisation.” She called on her people to wake up, reclaim their humanity, and take action against the ongoing injustices.
Dr Sabiha’s ability to transform grief into resistance has become central to her advocacy. On 29 November 2023, during the funeral of Balach, a young man killed in a fake encounter, she delivered a powerful message:
“If, at this point in history, we choose silence instead of raising our voices, our existence will be erased. We must expand this fight for national survival and identity beyond our land… so that our voices are heard.”
She urged that Balach’s case should not just be another protest but should inspire a larger movement to stop forced disappearances and daily delivery of “dead bodies.”. Her words spread rapidly, inspiring protests and calls for justice across Balochistan.
Her philosophy of resistance is deeply rooted in the belief that this struggle is essential for survival. Speaking at the BYC Human Rights Day Seminar in December 2024, she explained:
“If there’s one grief we’ve cried over endlessly, it is slavery—because every other issue stems from this root. For seventy years, our land, our lives, our resources, and even our breath have been seized. And if our people have taken up arms, they are not wrong. When the right to live is taken away, choosing how to die becomes the only option left for the oppressed.”
Her criticism shows how she sees the media: as a powerful force that can either expose suffering or help mask it. By challenging their complicity, Dr Sabiha tries to create a platform where the real stories of Balochistan—stories of pain, bravery, and perseverance —are told
For Dr Sabiha, resistance is not a choice but a necessity. She sees it as the only way for her people to reclaim their dignity and future. As chairperson of BSAC, she often spoke about the sacrifices required in this struggle. In her speech at BSAC’s Third Council Session, she acknowledged the uncertainty and suffering faced by those who remain committed to this path:
“We are on a path with no clear destination. Many have disappeared, friends have been martyred, and some have grown tired. Yet, we continue to walk this road because we believe in it. If you can’t support those walking this path, don’t call them mad—it would be an insult to their sacrifices.”
Her words show the determination of those who keep going, fuelled by their strong belief in Balochistan’s future.
Women at the forefront of change
Baloch women, historically confined to private spheres in a patriarchal tribal society, have begun emerging as potent political actors. In The Wire, Hazaran Rahim Dad wrote about the “Baloch Raaji Muchi” (Baloch National Gathering) in Gwadar—an event organised by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) that aimed to unite all corners of Balochistan against enforced disappearances and human rights abuses. Dr. Sabiha, already known as a leading figure in BYC, played a crucial role in mobilising families of the missing, offering them moral and logistical support.
During these gatherings, Baloch mothers stand side by side with activists, displaying photographs of disappeared sons, daughters, and husbands. Dr. Sabiha’s presence among them represents more than just leadership; it’s a gesture of solidarity that shows every voice—no matter how marginalised—can play a role in shaping the region’s future.
Dr Sabiha believes that empowering women is key to shaping Balochistan’s future. She often says that women’s participation in the struggle is not just a symbol but a necessity to achieve real change. In her speeches, she encourages women that their voices and actions are as important as those of men in the struggle for rights and recognition.
Observers credit Dr Sabiha for bridging two vital arenas: student activism through BSAC and community organising through BYC. In an society where families often fear to speak publicly, her compassion and clarity of purpose provide a protective circle for those risking everything to seek justice. By encouraging women to take an active role in the struggle against systemic oppression, she is changing the narrative of who can lead and contribute to Balochistan’s future.
Hope in the Hearts of Others
Countless stories highlight Dr Sabiha’s impact. Dr Shali Baloch, the Chairperson of Baloch Women Forum, in a Facebook post, called her “a true leader” who “never rested until the issue was resolved,” commending her for always stepping forward when Baloch students faced crises. Another random post on Facebook wrote:
“If someone ever asks me what consistency, bravery, courage, sincerity, and standing firm for a cause mean, I would say, in simple words: Dr Sabiha Baloch.”
Such tributes show not just her public role, but also her daily sacrifices. Her activism has come with dire consequences, including forced disappearances of her own family members. Yet she remains determined, believing that giving up would only set a dangerous precedent of silencing women’s voices.
A Collective over the Individual
Dr Sabiha has criticised the growing individualism in Baloch society, urging people to focus more on collective efforts for the common good. She challenged the prioritisation of personal achievements over the collective goals of the nation:
“Our society praises those who think only of themselves, but history is shaped by collective action, not individual achievements”.
Dr Sabiha believes that true leaders are not those who chase personal success but those who dedicate their talents and knowledge to the cause of their homeland.
“The real heroes are those who could have achieved great personal success but instead chose to fight for their land and people.”
Her respect and admiration for such individuals highlights her belief that the fight for dignity and rights demands selflessness and dedication, with the national cause always coming first.
“We will not forget’’
In her article, “We Will Not Forget, nor Will This War Forget”, Dr Sabiha expressed frustration with so-called “positive reporters” who depict Balochistan as “developed” while turning a blind eye to abductions, violence, or scorched-earth operations. She criticised certain segments of media of downplaying atrocities in the name of “neutrality,” effectively protecting the perpetrators from accountability:
“These positive reporters… present Balochistan, engulfed in flames, as a symbol of development… They are working with the oppressors to present the oppressed as the oppressors.”
Her criticism shows how she sees the media: as a powerful force that can either expose suffering or help mask it. By challenging their complicity, Dr Sabiha tries to create a platform where the real stories of Balochistan—stories of pain, bravery, and perseverance —are told.
At a protest in Quetta, Dr Sabiha spoke about the intellectual strength of those held in torture cells, challenging the labels imposed on them:
“The intellect of our people held in torture cells surpasses that of the Prime Minister of Pakistan. If you were to measure their intelligence, you would find that those you label as terrorists possess far greater intellect than those in authority.”
Her vision is simple: a united and determined Baloch nation that refuses to be silenced
Dr Sabiha has always stressed the need to understand the realities of one’s nation. She believes that knowledge should empower people to act for their society, rather than serving individual gains. She once said:
“Reading 100 books means nothing if you don’t understand your society. True knowledge comes from engaging with reality, not just memorising facts.”
This shows her belief that education should create awareness and action to address the systemic oppression faced by the Baloch nation.
Standing united against oppression
Dr Sabiha believes that all of Balochistan’s problems—poverty, enforced disappearances, unemployment, and more—are rooted in colonial oppression under Pakistani rule.
She stresses that the solution lies in decolonisation, urging her people to break free from external control by recognising their worth and focusing on long-term goals. For her, unity is not only a necessity but also a moral responsibility, with every Baloch—whether a student, elder, woman, or activist—playing a critical role in the collective fight for dignity. She warns:
“A struggle that fails to acknowledge our state of enslavement lacks direction. The path forward is decolonisation, and it demands collective responsibility and action.”
Dr. Sabiha has often reminded her people of their true potential and the importance of prioritising collective progress over individual success:
“Your worth is not just a job or a project. You’ve survived for thousands of years, and your potential is far greater. Take jobs if you must, but always remember that your true goal is the collective good of your nation.”
Her vision is simple: a united and determined Baloch nation that refuses to be silenced. She emphasises that the road to dignity, though long and uncertain, can only be traveled together, with strength, shared responsibility, and a commitment to ensuring that every voice and sacrifice becomes part of the larger narrative of resistance.