Anti-Terrorism Court Extends Remand of BYC Leaders for Sixth Time
SHAAL (QUETTA): The Anti-Terrorism Court has extended the remand of Dr. Mahrang Baloch and four other leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) for the sixth time, ordering their continued detention in police custody for an additional 15 days.
On Thursday, the accused — Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Beebow Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, Sibghatullah Shahji and Beebgar Baloch — were brought to court under heavy security. After hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence, the court ruled to extend their remand.
This extension follows the completion of a five-day remand granted earlier. Notably, the previous hearing had been held on a weekly holiday, during which the court had transferred the BYC leaders into police custody for five days.
Speaking to the media after the hearing, Dr. Mahrang Baloch condemned the judicial process, saying that the cases against them were part of a pre-arranged script. She accused the courts of operating under pressure, where decisions are made in advance, thus undermining the independence of the judicial system.
“We do not expect justice, but we will continue our struggle under all circumstances,” she said. “Courts are not independent when government institutions dictate verdicts. Our cases are decided before we even enter the courtroom.”
She further added that the state was using legal proceedings and false charges to suppress their peaceful political and democratic activities. “The goal is to silence the people’s voice, but this will not succeed.”
The defence team representing the BYC leaders strongly criticised the court’s decision, describing the extended remand as an illegal and undue detention tactic. They argued that the prolonged remand was designed to mentally and physically pressure the leaders, a strategy they claim violates basic human rights.
The lawyers also indicated they would challenge the decision in higher courts, seeking a fair and just resolution.
23-year-old student Mah Jabeen Baloch
During today’s court appearance, Dr. Mahrang Baloch also reacted to the forced disappearance of a female student, Mah Jabeen Baloch, arguing that state oppression has now reached a level where women are also being targeted and forcibly disappeared.
Speaking to journalists in court, Dr. Mahrang Baloch said, “Whether it’s the courts or the parliament, no one holds real power. Decisions are made elsewhere, and institutions only exist for show.”
She further stated, “The injustices we are facing are not limited to just one case or individual. A female student who is disabled has been in forced detention for almost three months, yet the courts have not even exercised their legal power to order the authorities to present her in court.”
Dr. Mahrang Baloch emphasised that this situation clearly shows that a military government is in place. “There is no public government, nor is the parliament fulfilling its responsibilities. The Supreme Court and other judiciary bodies have also failed to play their role,” she added.
According to Dr. Mahrang Baloch, forced disappearances of women from Balochistan have been ongoing for years. “Initially, women were forcibly disappeared from rural areas of Balochistan, but now, students from urban areas are also being targeted for enforced disappearances.”
Dr. Mahrang Baloch appealed to human rights organisations and educated segments of society to raise their voices against the serious crime of enforced disappearances and show solidarity with the victims, including Mah Jabeen Baloch and others affected by the state violence in Balochistan.
