Karachi: The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Karachi on Wednesday acquitted Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, in a case of sedition and incitement to public disorder registered against her in October last year.
A case under terrorism charges was registered against Mahrang Baloch on October 11, 2024, at the Quaidabad police station in Malir district. It was alleged that she was inciting the public by leveling accusations against security institutions.
ATC Judge Ayaz Mustafa Jokhio announced the verdict after hearing a bail application filed by her counsel, Jibran Nasir, stating:
“In my opinion, there is no likelihood of the accused being involved in any crime or being convicted. Therefore, I allow this application and acquit the accused, Mahrang Baloch daughter of Abdul Ghaffar.”
Mahrang Baloch was acquitted as a human rights activist under Section 265-K of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which empowers the court to acquit an accused at any stage of the proceedings.
The court observed that the evidence presented in the case was weak and insufficient, and the complainant failed to produce any independent witness in support of the allegations. The judge noted that the investigating officer presented five witnesses in the charge-sheet, all of whom were police personnel and had no direct knowledge of the alleged incident.
Mahrang Baloch appeared before the court via video link from Quetta Jail, where she has been imprisoned since her arrest in March. Despite her acquittal in this case, she could not be released immediately as other cases against her are still pending.
Terming the case “fabricated,” Mahrang Baloch said it reflects how insecure and anxious the state has become over her activities.
