BYC Expresses Concern Over Detention and Health of Dr. Mahrang Baloch
SHAAL, BALOCHISTAN: The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has expressed serious concern over the continued detention of its central leader, Dr. Mahrang Baloch, stating that nearly one year has passed since she and other leaders were taken into custody under false and fabricated charges.
In a statement, the committee emphasised that despite the absence of credible evidence, Dr. Mahrang and several other leaders remain in detention. The organisation further said that her health has significantly deteriorated over the past six months while in prison.
According to the committee, Dr. Mahrang submitted multiple written requests to the jail superintendent seeking medical treatment, but her appeals were repeatedly ignored. It was only after her legal team filed a petition in court that a jail doctor examined her and recommended various medical tests. However, she was not immediately transferred to a hospital.
The situation worsened on February 18, when prison authorities transferred her to Sheikh Zayed Hospital for further evaluation. An MRI of her lumbar spine revealed serious spinal issues, including disc bulges, pressure on nerve roots and an annular tear at the L4-L5 level. Doctors recommended rest and appropriate medical care.
The committee also added that police initially refused to provide the MRI report and attempted to withhold it. After ten days of sustained legal efforts, the report was eventually obtained.
Citing the medical findings, the organisation stated that Dr. Mahrang requires immediate and comprehensive treatment. It criticised the court’s decision to deny her bail, calling the ongoing legal proceedings prolonged and unnecessary in the absence of credible charges.
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee complained that advocating for human rights and justice is not a crime and the denial of medical care and continued detention were serious violations of constitutional and human rights.
The group has called for Dr. Mahrang Baloch to be granted immediate access to proper medical treatment and released on bail without delay. It also demanded the release of all committee leaders, it claims are being held unlawfully.
Meanwhile, the Balochistan Bar Council has called on the Government of Balochistan to ensure the immediate provision of comprehensive medical care to Dr. Mahrang Baloch, stating that safeguarding her life and health is a constitutional responsibility of the state.
The Bar Council emphasised that Dr. Mahrang is entitled to full protection of her life, health, and well-being under the Constitution and the law. It urged provincial authorities to ensure she receives timely, complete and quality medical treatment.
The statement further demanded that she be examined by qualified and specialist doctors and be provided with all necessary medicines and treatment in accordance with legal requirements. It warned that any delay or denial of medical care would amount to a violation of her fundamental human rights and principles of justice and humanity.
The Bar Council highlighted that the protection of the life, health and dignity of every individual in custody remains the constitutional obligation of provincial authorities, regardless of the allegations against them. It stressed that all detainees must be treated with dignity and respect.
Additionally, the Council called for regular monitoring of Dr. Mahrang’s health, uninterrupted access to her family and legal counsel and complete transparency regarding her medical condition.
Reiterating that the protection of life and human dignity is a fundamental duty of the state rather than a discretionary matter, the Balochistan Bar Council expressed hope that the relevant authorities would take prompt and serious steps to address the concerns raised.
