Human rights activist Sammi Deen Baloch was detained by immigration authorities at Karachi Airport on Sunday, September 8, while traveling to Muscat, Oman. Her name had been placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) by the federal government.
Moreover, the Balochistan government added several names, including hers, to the Fourth Schedule under the Anti-Terrorism Act. This schedule comprises individuals who are monitored or restricted due to concerns regarding national security, public safety, or law and order.
Following her detention, Sammi filed a petition against the move. On Tuesday, the Sindh High Court (SHC) issued notices to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the defense and interior ministries, the director general of immigration and passport, the ministry of aviation, the FIA’s director general, and the deputy attorney general.
Sammi’s lawyer, Muhammad Jibran Nasir, was quoted as saying in Dawn.com that she was initially allowed to exit the airport but was later stopped while leaving to attend an international conference in Belgium.
Who is Sammi Deen Baloch?
Sammi Deen Baloch is a social and human rights activist from Balochistan who advocates for the Baloch people, focusing on issues like enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in the region. Her activism began after her father, Dr. Deen Muhammad Baloch, was abducted more than 15 years ago, and she has spent much of her life campaigning for his release and the return of other missing persons.
In 2024, Sammi Deen received the Front Line Defenders Award in recognition of her struggle. She has also played a prominent role in the Baloch National Gathering in Gwadar.
