BYC Rejects Army’s Allegations Against Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Calls It Attempt to Divert Attention from Balochistan Abuses
SHAAL (QUETTA): The Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC) has strongly rejected accusations made by a spokesperson for the Pakistan Army, who alleged that the group and its leader, Dr. Mahrang Baloch, are involved in terrorism and foreign-sponsored activities. In a statement released on Friday, the BYC denounced the claims as “baseless and defamatory,” asserting that the remarks are part of a broader effort to discredit peaceful political movements and obscure the ongoing human rights crisis in Balochistan.
“The current wave of accusations, once again unsupported by any credible proof, reflects a troubling pattern of harassment and defamation employed by the state to suppress legitimate political dissent,” the group said in the statement.
Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a well-known human rights activist, and other BYC leaders have been in detention for over two months under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance (3MPO). Despite multiple court hearings, authorities have yet to provide legal justification or present substantive evidence for their continued detention.
The BYC emphasised that it is a peaceful political and human rights organisation committed to nonviolent advocacy for the Baloch people. It reiterated that both the committee and Dr. Baloch have always rejected violence, instead pursuing democratic avenues for protest and reform.
“This is not the first time the state has attempted to malign peaceful Baloch voices,” the statement noted, adding that past allegations have repeatedly failed to stand up to legal or public scrutiny.
The BYC’s response comes amid renewed tensions in Balochistan following a reported armed incident in Khuzdar, in which children were allegedly killed. The group acknowledged the media reports and conflicting accounts surrounding the incident, stating that if it is confirmed that children were indeed killed, they unequivocally condemn the attack.
“The killing of innocent civilians, especially children, is never acceptable and stands in violation of the most fundamental principles of humanity and international law,” the BYC said.
The group also invited independent international investigations into the organisation and its leadership, expressing full willingness to be held accountable under international law if any wrongdoing is found. However, it called for equal accountability from state institutions if the allegations are proven false.
In its statement, the BYC urged the Government of Pakistan to cease its “campaign of vilification” and take concrete steps to address human rights abuses in Balochistan. It also called on the United Nations, human rights organisations, and foreign diplomatic missions to take note of the “dangerous rhetoric” by state authorities.
“The consistent targeting and criminalisation of peaceful human rights defenders by state institutions only strengthens our resolve,” the group concluded.
