Baloch Yakjehti Committee Leaders’ Remand Extended Amid Criticism of Unlawful Proceedings

SHAAL  (QUETTA):  The leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), including Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Beebow Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, Beebarg Baloch and Saghbatullah Shah, were presented before the Judicial Magistrate Court in Quetta on 6 September 2025, after completing their previous 15-day remand. The court granted an additional five days of police custody, further escalating tensions surrounding the ongoing political repression in Balochistan.

The presentation of the leaders in court came under controversial circumstances. Despite being scheduled for the previous day, they were not presented for a hearing as expected. Instead, on the public holiday of Defence Day (6 September), when courts were closed, the detainees were quietly brought to court without informing their families or lawyers. This led to a swift ruling, with the magistrate granting the extension of their remand to the police.

The actions have sparked strong condemnation from political and social groups, who have criticised the Balochistan government and the Pakistani judiciary for their handling of the case. They argue that the illegal and unethical treatment of these leaders demonstrates a clear effort to suppress dissent and cover up state-backed abuses in the region.

For over five months, the BYC leaders have been held under illegal detention and charged with false accusations. Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, Beebarg Baloch, Sibghatullah Baloch, Imran Baloch, and Beebow Baloch are not criminals. They are human rights defenders and political voices who dared to speak out against enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the ongoing repression in Balochistan. Their detention is seen as part of a larger campaign to silence dissent and suppress the Baloch nationalist movement.

In a viral social media post, Dr. Mahrang Baloch’s sister, Nadia, shared disturbing details about the unlawful proceedings. She revealed that while other BYC leaders were supposed to be presented in court the previous day, they were not, and instead, they were quietly brought before the judge without any notification to their families or legal representatives. “This is a blatant violation of the rights of these individuals,” Nadia stated, adding that the authorities had taken steps to block information by suspending internet services in the region.

She further emphasised that this case was in direct violation of Pakistan’s Constitution, particularly Article 10-A, which guarantees the right to a fair trial, and Article 10, which offers protection against arbitrary arrests and detentions.

“The most alarming part is that this hearing took place on a national holiday when no lawyer was present in court,” Nadia said. “It is clear that this is part of a deliberate attempt to undermine justice.”

The situation has sparked outrage both within Pakistan and internationally, with activists and human rights organisations calling for urgent intervention. These unlawful proceedings and the continuous detention of BYC leaders under false charges have raised deep concerns about the safety and well-being of those detained.

In light of this, the BYC has called for solidarity in the fight for justice. The group has called on activists and supporters to use the hashtag  #IStandWithBYCLeaders, create videos, write posts, share talks, and use their platforms to raise awareness about the plight of these detained leaders.

“We need your voice. We need you to stand with the oppressed. Together, we can demand the immediate release of these courageous individuals,” the statement concluded.