Balochistan: BYC Leaders Denied Bail as Concerns Grow Over Mahrang Baloch’s Treatment
SHAAL, BALOCHISTAN: November 19, 2023 — The Anti-Terrorism Court in Quetta has rejected bail in several key cases against the leadership of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), deepening concerns over alleged judicial inconsistencies and state pressure.
The most disputed ruling came in FIR 89/25, where bail was denied despite a lack of admissible evidence linking BYC leaders to claims that they incited individuals to break the Civil Hospital gate. Co-accused in the same case have already been granted bail, prompting lawyers to question the court’s impartiality.
Some relief was granted in other cases: Dr. Mahrang Baloch and Gulzadi Baloch received bail in 10 FIRs, while three other leaders Beebagar Baloch, Beebow Baloch and Shahji Sibghatullah secured bail in 9 cases each. BYC representatives have vowed to challenge the remaining bail denials in the High Court.
At the same time, the health of Dr. Mahrang Baloch has sparked alarm. Her sister, Nadia, says Mahrang has been severely ill from food poisoning but denied adequate medical treatment and in-person family visits, in violation of court orders. A junior doctor reportedly conducted only a brief check-up, and requests for a specialist have been rejected.
Mahrang and 17 others were detained on March 22 under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, later facing terrorism charges.
Her activism dates back to the enforced disappearance and killing of her father in 2011, after which she led multiple major protest movements against disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
Meanwhile In Islamabad, the High Court has ordered a review committee to decide within 30 days on removing Mahrang’s name from the Exit Control List. She was stopped from travelling to the United States on October 7, 2024, to attend the TIME 100 Gala.
Mahrang, also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025, has now spent nearly 241 days in custody.
