Why is the Baloch Yakjehti Committee Condemning the Detention of Its Leaders?
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Synopsis
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has voiced strong opposition to the unjust detention of its leaders, including Mahrang Baloch. This situation highlights ongoing human rights violations in Balochistan and raises critical questions about the treatment of activists in Pakistan. Discover the implications of these actions on freedom of expression and international law.
Key Takeaways
- BYC condemns arbitrary detention of its leaders.
- Mahrang Baloch and others face politically motivated charges.
- Judicial custody ordered after physical remand concluded.
- Human rights defenders targeted for exercising their rights.
- BYC calls for international intervention to uphold human rights.
Quetta, Sep 27 (NationPress) The human rights organization Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has issued a strong condemnation regarding the arbitrary detention of its leader, Mahrang Baloch, alongside other prominent leaders and activists after their 15-day physical remand concluded.
This statement follows the anti-terrorism court in Quetta's refusal of the Pakistan Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) request to prolong the physical remand of BYC chief Mahrang Baloch and other members, according to reports from local media citing the rights group’s attorney.
The ruling made by Judge Muhammad Ali Mubeen denied the request for an extension of the physical remand and ordered the accused to be placed into judicial custody, as reported by the leading Pakistani newspaper Dawn.
The BYC indicated that after enduring unlawful deprivation of liberty for six months and undergoing repeated police remands, the head of BYC, Mahrang Baloch, along with central leaders Bebagar Baloch and Sibgatullah Shah Ji, as well as activists Beebow Baloch and Gulzadi Baloch, were transferred to Huda Jail in Quetta on judicial remand.
"For over three months, they were detained in Huda Jail, Quetta, under Maintenance of Public Order (3-MPO) without due process or effective judicial review... They faced re-arrest and were kept in police custody for more than two months based on fabricated and politically motivated allegations. Although their police remand has concluded, they remain in judicial remand at Huda Prison, Quetta," the statement elaborated.
The BYC asserts that these human rights advocates have been targeted solely for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. They have spoken out against enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and other significant human rights abuses occurring in Balochistan.
The rights organization emphasized that the practice of arbitrary arrests and prolonged pre-trial detentions to suppress dissent violates Pakistan’s commitments under international law, including the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.
The BYC has called on United Nations Special Procedures, international human rights entities, and civil society groups to urgently address this situation and advocate for Pakistan’s adherence to its international obligations, including safeguarding fundamental freedoms and ensuring the right to an effective remedy.
Point of View
Our stance is firmly in support of human rights and the principles of justice. The ongoing situation concerning the Baloch Yakjehti Committee and its leaders highlights the urgent need for adherence to international laws and the protection of fundamental freedoms in Pakistan. We stand with those advocating for peace and justice.
NationPress
27/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Baloch Yakjehti Committee?
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) is a human rights organization advocating for the rights of the Baloch people, focusing on issues such as enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
Why were Mahrang Baloch and other leaders detained?
They were detained under allegations believed to be politically motivated, aimed at silencing their activism for human rights in Balochistan.
What legal actions have been taken regarding their detention?
An anti-terrorism court in Quetta has declined to extend their physical remand, ordering their transfer to judicial custody instead.
What has the BYC called for in response to this situation?
The BYC has urged international bodies, including the United Nations, to take notice of the situation and ensure Pakistan complies with its human rights obligations.
What are the implications of this situation for human rights in Pakistan?
The arbitrary detention and treatment of human rights defenders raise serious concerns about the state of freedom of expression and the rule of law in Pakistan.
