QUETTA: The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has condemned the decision to hold court hearings for its detained leaders inside Quetta District Jail, calling it a deliberate attempt to suppress transparency, eliminate public scrutiny and criminalize peaceful political dissent in Balochistan.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the BYC described the move as “a deeply concerning example of institutional repression,” after it emerged on Sunday that the latest hearing in the cases against Dr. Mahrang Baloch, the group’s chairperson and other leaders was conducted inside the jail instead of the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC).
According to the BYC, the judicial remand of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Sibghatullah Baloch, Beebarg Baloch, and Gul Zadi Baloch has been extended for another ten days. The leaders were arrested in March under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance (MPO) and have remained in custody since then, with multiple extensions to their remand.
Defense lawyer Israr Baloch confirmed that the case was heard on Saturday by Judge Muhammad Ali Mubeen of Anti-Terrorism Court No. 1 (ATC-1). However, instead of producing the detainees in court, the BYC’s legal team was summoned to Quetta District Jail, where the hearing took place.
He added that the prosecutor failed to submit the challan (charge sheet), preventing the framing of charges and delaying the start of the formal trial. The court adjourned proceedings until October 18 and directed the prosecution to file the challan before the next hearing.
The BYC accused the state of attempting to conceal judicial proceedings from public observation.
“By moving court proceedings behind prison walls, the state is effectively barring affected families, journalists and independent observers from witnessing the process,” the organization said, terming it “a clear violation of Pakistan’s Constitution and international principles of fair trial and due process.”
Notably, Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a prominent human rights activist and medical doctor, leads the BYC, a grassroots movement advocating for justice for victims of enforced disappearances and state violence in Balochistan. The group has been at the forefront of peaceful protests demanding accountability for human rights abuses and the release of missing persons.
