BNM Chairman Calls for Global Response to BYC Leaders' Unlawful Detention
Synopsis
Naseem Baloch, BNM Chairman, demands global action against the ongoing unlawful detention of BYC leaders, highlighting their fight for human rights in Balochistan. This article sheds light on the plight of these activists and the implications of their imprisonment.
Key Takeaways
Naseem Baloch calls for global action on unlawful detentions.
The BYC leaders have been imprisoned for a year.
Charges against activists are seen as politically motivated.
Human rights organizations demand their immediate release.
The situation highlights ongoing human rights violations in Balochistan.
Quetta, March 23 (NationPress) Naseem Baloch, the chairman of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), urged the international community on Monday to break its silence regarding what he termed the “unlawful detention” of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders, who have been imprisoned for a full year.
He emphasized that their ongoing imprisonment represents a gross violation of international human rights and due process.
“It has been a full year since the unlawful detention of BYC leaders. A year marked by injustice, silence, and denial of fundamental rights. Their only 'offense' is voicing concerns over enforced disappearances and state oppression in Balochistan. This situation is not only unlawful but is also a stark breach of international human rights and due process. The global community cannot remain silent,” Naseem expressed on X.
Earlier in March 2025, Pakistani authorities accused Mahrang Baloch, the chief organiser of the BYC, along with several other activists, of terrorism after she spearheaded a sit-in protest against the “unlawful arrest and police remand” of relatives of individuals who have been forcibly disappeared.
On Sunday, the BYC commemorated one year of what it described as the “unlawful detention” of its leadership, stating that the extended imprisonment of Mahrang and other leaders reflects the “fear” of the Pakistani system rather than serving as punishment for any crime.
“Today marks 365 days of the unlawful detention of BYC leaders. Let us take a moment to consider the priorities of this system. From Quetta to Makran to Dera Ghazi Khan, individuals who carried nothing but the Constitution, placards, and a microphone were dragged before anti-terrorism courts and repeatedly subjected to 90-day remands. They were unjustly labeled as proclaimed offenders,” the BYC asserted.
The organization accused the police, judicial silence, and information control of revealing a systematic effort to silence peaceful dissent.
“When police raids, judicial silence, and efforts to suppress social media align, and when every institution seems united in keeping a peaceful political worker incarcerated while justifications are perpetually created to extend their detention, it becomes evident: what truly intimidates this system is the sight of unarmed individuals carrying nothing but the naked truth, a truth they present to the people of Balochistan for the world to see,” it stated.
Numerous human rights organizations have recently called for the immediate release of the BYC leaders, demanding the withdrawal of all “false and politically motivated charges” and ensuring free, fair trials untainted by state pressure.
Point of View
This situation underscores the ongoing tension in Balochistan, where voices advocating for human rights face severe repercussions. The call for international attention highlights the importance of addressing human rights violations and ensuring accountability.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the BYC leaders detained?
The BYC leaders have been detained primarily for voicing concerns over enforced disappearances and state repression in Balochistan, which they argue are violations of basic human rights.
What has been the global response?
Naseem Baloch has called for the global community to end its silence regarding the unlawful detention of BYC leaders, emphasizing the need for international awareness and action.
What charges have been levied against Mahrang Baloch?
Mahrang Baloch and other activists have been charged with terrorism after leading protests against the unlawful arrests related to enforced disappearances.
What do human rights organizations say about this situation?
Multiple human rights organizations are demanding the immediate release of BYC leaders and the dismissal of politically motivated charges, insisting on fair trials free from state influence.
