ISLAMABAD: The Nobel Peace Prize nomination of jailed activist Mahrang Baloch, who is facing trial on treason charges, has sparked fresh debate over transparency in the selection process, amid concerns about her political affiliations and the role of advocacy groups backing her.
Mahrang Baloch leads the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) which is considered a political wing of the designated terrorist group, the Balochistan Liberation Army.
Reasons why Mahrang Baloch’s Nobel nomination is under fire
Mahrang Baloch met Nobel Committee member Jørgen Watne Frydnes in May 2024 during a visit to Norway. The trip was facilitated by PEN Norway, where Frydnes serves as Secretary General. Analysts say the meeting, arranged through activist Kia Baloch’s connections, may have influenced perceptions of Mahrang’s candidacy.
Critics argue that Mahrang’s activism overlaps with groups accused of shielding separatist militants. Observers note that the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), with which she is associated and leads, has not publicly condemned the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The BLA and its suicide unit, the Majeed Brigade, were designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) by the United States in August 2025 for attacks on civilian infrastructure and Pakistani security forces.
In a September 15 investigation, Balochistan Plus tracked links between Kia Baloch, Frydnes, and Mahrang, raising questions about conflicts of interest. The outlet further pointed to Mahrang’s writings, including an article in The Diplomat, which it argued read “less like journalism and more like a statement from a banned outfit’s spokesperson.”
The Diplomat itself noted in March 2025 that BYC and other rights groups had refrained from condemning the BLA, a stance that critics say tacitly aligns their narratives with those of the militant group.
Analysts warn that advocacy platforms may be used to build legitimacy for activists whose positions overlap with armed separatist groups. “When organizations avoid condemning groups responsible for terrorist violence, their neutrality and credibility come into question,” one observer said.
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The growing scrutiny underscores the need for greater transparency in the Nobel process, particularly regarding lobbying by NGOs and the influence of committee-linked networks. Critics argue that overlooking affiliations with groups sympathetic to designated terrorist organizations risks undermining the credibility of the Peace Prize.
The Nobel Committee has not commented on the concerns, but observers say it will face pressure to ensure that nominations meet the highest standards of neutrality and independence.
