Quetta: The Human Rights Department of the Baloch National Movement (PAANK) has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating health and illegal detention of human rights activist and Baloch Yakjehti Committee leader Bebqarg Baloch. According to PAANK, Bebarg Baloch has faced medical neglect during his custody, leading to a critical condition and necessitating immediate hospital transfer for surgery.
In a statement, PAANK demanded that Bebarg Baloch be released immediately, provided with adequate medical care and that an independent commission investigate his arrest and detention.
Bebarg Baloch was severely injured and disabled in a hand-grenade attack by Pakistani forces during a Baloch cultural event in 2010, yet he continued his peaceful struggle for Baloch rights despite his disability.
On March 20, 2025, the Counter-Terrorism Department in Quetta arrested Bebarg Baloch along with his brother, Hamal Zehri. According to PAANK, the arrest was warrantless and without formal charges, falling under international definitions of enforced disappearance. He was later presented in court, but his detention remains unlawful and unjustified.
The statement said that, Bebarg Baloch is completely disabled and unable to naturally urinate, relying on intermittent urinary catheterization. Repeated catheterization in non-sterile conditions can lead to severe infections, urethral injuries and dangerous conditions such as urosepsis. Reports indicate that in the past he required emergency surgeries due to urinary obstruction and during his recent detention he was denied access to urological treatment, further worsening his condition. He was finally transferred to a hospital four days ago, where he is currently undergoing surgery.
PAANK stated that denying a disabled prisoner medical care constitutes cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment under international human rights law.
Under Pakistan’s Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) Section 169, detainees facing delayed trials or insufficient evidence are entitled to bail or release on surety. PAANK asserts that given Bebarg Baloch’s critical health condition and lack of evidence, his continued detention is unlawful.
According to Articles 9 and 14 of the Pakistani Constitution and Articles 6 and 7 of the ICCPR, the state has a responsibility to protect life and prevent torture or ill-treatment, which includes providing timely medical care.
PAANK has made the following demands to the Government of Pakistan, the Balochistan provincial government and relevant authorities:
- Immediate release of Bebarg Baloch on humanitarian and legal grounds.
- Provision of continuous and independent medical monitoring, with access to urology specialists, sterile equipment and necessary medicines.
- Allowing family, lawyers and independent observers to meet and monitor his condition.
- Conducting an independent investigation into his arrest, medical neglect and any possible abuse.
- Ending the pattern of illegal arrests and enforced disappearances of Baloch human rights activists.
PAANK highlighted that Bebarg Baloch’s case reflects the broader pattern of state oppression, enforced disappearancesn and medical neglect targeting Baloch political and human rights activists.
The statement concluded with an appeal to the United Nations, Amnesty International, and international human rights organizations to intervene immediately and pressure Pakistan to uphold its international human rights obligations.
