Amnesty International has issued an urgent report demanding that Pakistani authorities immediately and unconditionally release all detained leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC).
According to the report, the detainees include Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Bibgar Zehri, Beebow Baloch, Shah Ji Sibghatullah, Ghafar Qambrani and Gulzadi Baloch. Amnesty International stated that all these individuals have been arrested solely for their peaceful activism and for raising their voices in defense of human rights, an act that violates both international and national laws.
The report further stated that these arrests are aimed at suppressing the ongoing peaceful protests, freedom of expression, and political activities in Balochistan. Amnesty also expressed concern that the detainees may not be receiving adequate medical care and could be subjected to ill-treatment or even torture.
Amnesty International made it clear that anti-terrorism and public order laws are being weaponized against political activists, which constitutes a grave violation of human rights.
The organization appealed to the international community, human rights defenders, and civil society to pressure the Pakistani government, not only to secure the immediate release of these Baloch leaders, but also to ensure respect for civil liberties and human rights throughout Balochistan.
