Quetta ATC Extends Remand of BYC Chief Dr. Mahrang Baloch and Others
An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Quetta has extended the physical remand of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) chief Dr. Mahrang Baloch and other organisers for another 15 days, following a request from the police.
Court Proceedings
Advocate Israr Baloch confirmed that the arrested BYC leaders were presented before Judge Muhammad Ali Mubeen of Quetta ATC-1, who approved the extension. Those presented in court included Dr. Mahrang, Bebow Baloch, Sibghatullah Shahji, Gulzadi, and Beberg Baloch.
Background of the Case
The BYC, formed in 2018, is a Baloch advocacy group campaigning against enforced disappearances.
Dr. Mahrang and other BYC members were arrested on March 22 following allegations of attacking Quetta Civil Hospital and inciting violence during protests against alleged enforced disappearances.
Her detention initially began under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO), which allows authorities to detain individuals considered a threat to public order. The detention was extended multiple times by the Balochistan Home Department, followed by the registration of cases under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
Recent Developments
The leaders have now spent several months in custody, with their remand repeatedly extended. Last month, an ATC in Karachi also issued a non-bailable warrant against Dr. Mahrang in a separate sedition case.
Conclusion
With the latest ruling, Dr. Mahrang Baloch and other BYC leaders will remain in police custody for another two weeks as investigations continue.
