Tue Sep 10 17:52:54 UTC 2024: ## Social Activist Sammi Baloch Blocked From Leaving Pakistan, High Court Issues Notices

**Karachi, Pakistan:** Social activist Sammi Baloch was prevented from boarding a flight to Belgium on Sunday, sparking outrage and prompting the Sindh High Court (SHC) to issue notices to relevant government agencies.

Baloch was stopped by immigration officials at Karachi Airport despite having already cleared passport control. Her lawyer, Muhammad Jibran Nasir, claims she was detained for hours and told she was barred from leaving the country without being officially notified of her inclusion on the Exit Control List (ECL).

Nasir argues that the action constitutes harassment and intimidation. He asserts that Baloch’s name was added to the ECL unofficially and unjustly, and that she is not on any official list.

The incident comes amid a broader crackdown in Balochistan, where dozens of individuals, including civil society members, have been placed on the Fourth Schedule under the Anti-Terrorism Act. This list, based on recommendations from district intelligence committees, subjects individuals to surveillance and restrictions.

The Balochistan home department has confirmed placing around 300 people on the Fourth Schedule, including 130 from Quetta. However, no official notification has been issued, leaving many individuals unaware of their inclusion.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has condemned the use of heavy-handed tactics against Baloch and the wider crackdown in Balochistan, calling it a violation of freedom of movement and a potential legalization of enforced disappearances. The HRCP urges the government to engage with Baloch civil society to address the ongoing crisis in the province.

The SHC, recognizing the seriousness of the situation, has issued notices to the Ministry of Defence, Interior Ministry, Director General of Immigration and Passport, Ministry of Aviation, Director General of FIA, and the Deputy Attorney General. The court will hear the case further to determine the legality of Baloch’s detention and the reasons for her inclusion on the ECL.

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