LONDON: The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement United Kingdom (PTM UK) has strongly condemned the sentencing of prominent Baloch human rights activist Dr. Mahrang Baloch and three others, describing the ruling as a serious blow to judicial independence and civil liberties in Pakistan.
The organisation issued a formal statement denouncing the conviction of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Balach Qadir, Sibghatullah Shah Ji, and Abubakar Kulanchi, warning that the decision reflects a deepening crisis of justice in the country.
Dr. Mahrang Baloch is widely recognised as a leading voice against enforced disappearances and human rights abuses in Balochistan. Her advocacy has been conducted through peaceful demonstrations, public campaigns, and constitutional channels. PTM UK said the sentencing of individuals engaged in nonviolent activism sends a “disturbing message” to all those seeking justice through lawful means.
“When activists, students, journalists and human rights defenders face prosecution while powerful institutions appear beyond accountability, many people understandably question whether justice is being applied equally,” the statement read.
PTM UK also raised concerns over the perceived influence of powerful state institutions on Pakistan’s judicial and political processes, stressing that an independent judiciary is fundamental to democracy. The group said these concerns have been consistently voiced by civil society actors, lawyers, and democratic activists across Pakistan.
The organisation expressed solidarity with the people of Balochistan and called on democratic forces, human rights bodies, legal institutions, and the international community to monitor developments and defend civil liberties and judicial independence in Pakistan.
“No prison sentence can extinguish the demand for justice,” the statement declared.
PTM UK pledged to continue supporting all those peacefully advocating for human dignity, accountability, and freedom.
