Pakistan Court Extends Remand of Baloch Yakjehti Committee Leader Mahrang Baloch
In a latest development from Quetta, Pakistan, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has granted police a 15-day extension on the physical remand of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) chief Mahrang Baloch and other key leaders. This move came after police requested more time to investigate, as reported by local media quoting her lawyer.
Advocate Israr Baloch shared that the group appeared before Judge Muhammad Ali Mubeen at Quetta’s ATC-1. The judge approved the extension, keeping Mahrang Baloch, Sibghatullah Shahji, Bebow Baloch, Gulzadi, and Beberg Baloch in police custody. "The police asked for it, and the court agreed," Baloch told reporters.
This isn’t the first time authorities have prolonged their detention. Mahrang Baloch and her fellow BYC organizers got arrested on March 22 this year. Police accused them of "attacking" Quetta Civil Hospital and "inciting violence." The arrests happened right after a police crackdown on a BYC protest against enforced disappearances in Balochistan, according to Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper.
Initially, police held them under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law, which lets officials detain people seen as threats to public peace for up to 30 days. Balochistan’s Home Department stretched this to another 30 days in April. By June, after three months in custody, the provincial government issued a fourth extension.
On top of the MPO charges, authorities filed cases against the BYC leaders under Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act and sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. Courts have repeatedly extended their remand, keeping them behind bars without bail.
BYC has strongly criticized these actions. Earlier this week, the group accused Pakistani authorities of misusing the MPO law to silence activists. They claim courts keep rubber-stamping extensions from the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) without demanding proper reports or accountability.
BYC leaders say their lawyers have asked for remand details multiple times, but judges avoid challenging the CTD. Over the past two years, the group reports filing more than 30 cases against its members for peaceful protests and video statements—yet only three have wrapped up, leaving the rest hanging.
The latest twist? BYC slammed the court for a recent five-day remand extension, which went against promises of no more delays. It happened on a public holiday, with road blockades stopping lawyers and family from showing up. Protesters are furious, asking how everyday Baloch people—like a simple shepherd—can hope for justice when even non-violent activists face this treatment.
This ongoing saga highlights tensions in Balochistan over human rights, enforced disappearances, and protest rights. As the case unfolds, many eyes remain on how Pakistan’s courts handle such high-profile detentions.
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