Baloch Yakjehti Committee Chief Dr. Mahrang Baloch Held for 15 More Days in Quetta Police Custody
An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Quetta on Friday extended the police custody of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, chief of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), and several other BYC activists for 15 additional days. The group has been detained since March amid allegations of “attacking” Quetta Civil Hospital and inciting violence during protests against enforced disappearances.
-
Background:
Dr. Mahrang and fellow activists were first arrested in March during a police crackdown on BYC’s protest activities. They have been held under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law, which allows detention of individuals suspected of threatening public order. -
Legal Proceedings:
After initial 30-day detention terms, the court has repeatedly extended their custody — most recently by 15 days. Lawyers for Dr. Mahrang argued there was no progress in investigations during previous remands, but the court still granted further detention. -
Human Rights Concerns:
Amnesty International has urged the Balochistan Chief Minister, Sarfaraz Bugti, to release all detained Baloch activists and drop charges related to their activism. The BYC itself is not banned by the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), though Dr. Mahrang is listed as a proscribed person. -
Appeals:
The Balochistan High Court rejected constitutional petitions for release in May. Dr. Mahrang’s sister subsequently appealed to the Supreme Court, alleging that her detention and labeling as a militant sympathizer are attempts to silence her activism on missing persons. -
Ongoing Protests:
The BYC’s Kech chapter recently staged a three-day hunger strike protesting the continued detention of their leaders.
