BYC Expresses Deep Concern Over ‘ATC Court Misconduct’, Demands Intervention from Higher Judiciary
SHAAL, BALOCHISTAN: The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has strongly condemned the jail trial proceedings held on February 7, Saturday, in the Anti-Terrorism Court, stating that clear bias and prejudice were demonstrated during the hearing. This created the impression that the verdict had already been decided in advance and the judicial process was merely being conducted to give it a legal cover.
According to the committee, the judge’s attitude during the hearing was deeply concerning. Defence lawyers were repeatedly interrupted, their arguments were ignored and a hostile approach was adopted towards the accused, which is a clear violation of the fundamental right to a fair trial enshrined in Article 10-A of the Constitution of Pakistan.
During the hearing, Dr. Mahrang Baloch formally expressed distrust in the court and submitted objections on record. She argued that the defence lawyers were being consistently mistreated and that orders were being issued that conflicted with basic human rights. She stated that these actions were illegal and amounted to an overreach of the court’s jurisdiction.
The statement mentioned that when Dr. Mahrang Baloch pointed out judicial bias, Judge Muhammad Ali Mubeen responded sharply: “Who will listen to you and your lawyers? No one is going to listen to your voice.” The Baloch Yakjehti Committee observed that such remarks from a judge in an open court violate judicial ethics and the requirements of justice.
Defence lawyers maintained that if an accused expresses distrust in the judge, the legal requirement is to refer the matter to the High Court’s registrar and transfer the case to another court. However, the judge of the Anti-Terrorism Court refused to take this legal course and even avoided hearing the arguments.
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee made it clear that it no longer has any expectation of fair justice from this court. The committee stated that these cases are actually a response to the BYC leaders’ peaceful political and human rights activities, particularly their opposition to enforced disappearances and extrajudicial actions, which the state is trying to suppress using state power and legal manoeuvres.
The organisation has demanded that the higher judiciary take immediate notice, transfer the case to an impartial court and ensure the protection of constitutional rights.
The international community, human rights organisations and independent observers have also been urged to monitor these judicial proceedings and seriously address the violations of fundamental rights in Pakistan.
