BYC Leaders Assaulted in Jail, Beebow Baloch Forcibly Disappeared
SHAAL (QUETTA): Dr. Sabihah Baloch, a prominent leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), has informed the media that Pakistani authorities forcibly transferred Beebow Baloch, an active member of the organisation, from Huda Jail in Quetta to an undisclosed location under the cover of night.
Dr. Baloch stated that the transfer was carried out without the consent or prior knowledge of Beebow Baloch’s family or legal representatives.
In a statement released today, Dr. Baloch cited an admission by the superintendent of Huda Jail, who confirmed that Beebow Baloch was moved to Pishin Jail. However, jail officials at Pishin reportedly denied her arrival, which Dr. Baloch says clearly points to an ongoing case of enforced disappearance.
She also raised serious concerns regarding the treatment of other detained Baloch activists. According to Dr. Baloch, the family and legal team of Dr. Maherang Baloch were also denied access to meet with any BYC members, heightening fears about the detainees’ well-being.
The incident occurred following the late-night forced removal of Beebow Baloch by Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel. During the same operation, reports emerged of CTD officers assaulting leading BYC figures, including Dr. Maherang Baloch, Beebow Baloch, and Gulzadi Baloch—sparking outrage across Baloch communities and activist networks.
Beebow Baloch, along with Dr. Maherang Baloch and other key activists Beebagar Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, and Shah Ji Sibghatullah, had been held at Huda Jail for over a month under the Maintenance of Public Order ordinance (3MPO). Their detention was extended for another 30 days by the Balochistan Home Department just one day before the CTD assault on Huda Jail.
Legal representatives continue to argue that the activists’ arrests and prolonged imprisonment under 3MPO are unlawful. After the rejection of the BYC leaders’ bail applications, several Baloch activists and human rights groups also raised serious questions about the independence and competence of the judiciary in Balochistan, alleging Pakistan army’s interference in judicial processes.
In its statement, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee strongly condemned state-sponsored abductions and acts of torture against its members. The organisation described the events as “a clear case of state terrorism,” accusing the Pakistani government of systematically targeting female activists in an effort to crush Baloch resistance and silence dissenting voices.
“We hold the state and its institutions fully responsible for the safety of Beebow Baloch,” the statement read. “This is not an isolated incident; it is part of a systematic effort to suppress the Baloch struggle and stifle the voice of truth.”
As concerns mount over the fate of Beebow Baloch and other detained activists, human rights organisations and political leaders are calling for immediate intervention and an independent investigation into the enforced disappearances, custodial torture, and the abuse of power by state authorities.
