Quetta: Nadia Baloch, the sister of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Dr. Mahrang Baloch, has raised serious concerns over the treatment of her sister and fellow detained activists, alleging psychological harassment, threats, and denial of basic prisoner rights.
In a detailed statement, Nadia revealed that following their court appearance last week, Dr. Mahrang Baloch, along with Bebarg Zehri, Bebo, Gulzadi, and Sabghatullah Shah Jee, was transferred to separate police stations in a move she described as a clear violation of constitutional and legal procedures.
She stated that although two different lower courts had issued clear orders to ensure legal assistance and family visitation for the detainees to help them prepare their defense, police authorities have continuously denied these basic rights. In many cases, detainees are reportedly made to wait for hours before being allowed to sign legal documents.
The statement particularly criticized the treatment of female detainees, highlighting that the staff assigned to their custody have been uncooperative and disrespectful. It was also alleged that their behavior violates Articles 10 and 10-A of the Constitution of Pakistan, which guarantee the right to a fair trial and legal representation.
The condition of Sabghatullah Shah Jee and Bebarg Zehri was described as especially concerning. They are reportedly being held at the Cantonment police station, where neither family members nor legal representatives are being allowed to contact or check on them. This situation has been called a serious breach of court orders and tantamount to illegal detention.
According to the statement, Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Bebo, and Gulzadi are being held at a women’s police station that is reportedly under the de facto control of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and intelligence agencies rather than civilian police authorities.
Nadia Baloch expressed fears that the detainees are being subjected to psychological harassment, threats, and deprivation of rights, including access to lawyers, family members, and medical care. These alleged violations not only contravene Section 974 of the Police Rules 1934 but also breach Pakistan’s commitments under international human rights treaties.
The statement further revealed that Nadia herself has been harassed by intelligence personnel, who appeared outside her residence late at night—a move she described as an attempt to intimidate her and suppress legal resistance.
She appealed to the European Union and United Nations human rights bodies to hold the Government of Pakistan accountable for these alleged violations and to ensure compliance with domestic court orders and international obligations.
The statement concluded with a plea to Pakistan’s judiciary, civil society, bar councils, and international human rights organizations for urgent intervention to restore the rule of law and safeguard the fundamental rights of those in custody.
