Is There a Deliberate Attempt to Suppress Democracy? Rights Body Criticizes Jail Hearing of Baloch Activists in Pakistan
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The recent decision by Pakistani authorities to conduct jail hearings for Baloch Yakjehti Committee leaders has sparked outrage. The BYC argues that these actions are part of a broader strategy to stifle dissent and eliminate public oversight. This situation raises significant concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in Balochistan.
Key Takeaways
- BYC leaders are facing unjustified legal proceedings.
- The shift to jail hearings restricts public and media access.
- Continuous remand extensions raise concerns about judicial fairness.
- Arrests occurred amid protests for human rights in Balochistan.
- Actions against BYC illustrate broader issues of repression.
Quetta, Oct 12 (NationPress) The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has condemned the actions of Pakistani authorities for conducting hearings for BYC leaders Mahrang Baloch, Beebow Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, Beebarg Baloch, and Sibghatullah Shahjee within prison walls. This has been labeled a serious and intentional effort to undermine transparency, eliminate public oversight, and further entrench the criminalization of peaceful political dissent in Balochistan.
On Saturday, the BYC announced that the judicial remand for all detained leaders was prolonged by another 10 days. They stated that BYC activists have faced continuous unjustified remand extensions and repeated denials of access to legal representation since their arrest in March.
In a statement released on X, the BYC remarked: "In yet another alarming instance of institutional repression, the hearing for Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leadership, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Beebow Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, Beebarg Baloch, and Sibghatullah Shahjee, was conducted within prison premises instead of an open courtroom. During this closed proceeding, the judicial remand for all detained BYC leaders was extended for an additional ten days. This shift to jail hearings signifies a serious and intentional effort to suppress transparency, eliminate public oversight, and further entrench the criminalization of peaceful political dissent in Balochistan."
"By moving the hearings behind prison walls, the state effectively prevents families, journalists, and independent observers from witnessing the proceedings, which constitutes a direct violation of Pakistan’s constitution and international legal standards regarding fair trials and due process. Since their arrest in March 2025, following a peaceful demonstration advocating for justice for victims of enforced disappearances, BYC leadership has been subjected to a persistent series of illegal actions: unjustified remand extensions and repeated denials of legal access," the statement further noted.
Mahrang Baloch and other BYC members were taken into custody on March 22, accused of "attacking" the Quetta Civil Hospital and "inciting violence".
BYC leaders faced arrests the day after a police crackdown on their group while they protested against enforced disappearances, as reported by Pakistan's leading daily Dawn.
The BYC chief was detained under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO), which allows authorities to arrest individuals suspected of threatening public order, for an initial period of 30 days. In April, the Balochistan Home Department extended her detention for another 30 days. Subsequently, after three months in custody, the provincial government issued a fourth extension order in June.
Following their arrest under the MPO, cases were filed against Mahrang Baloch and other BYC leaders under various sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Pakistan Penal Code. The remand of BYC leaders has been extended multiple times while they remain in detention.
Point of View
I must emphasize the critical importance of maintaining democratic principles and legal transparency. The actions taken against the Baloch Yakjehti Committee leaders represent a dangerous trend toward repression in Balochistan. Upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of individuals to express dissent is paramount for any democratic society.
NationPress
12/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Baloch Yakjehti Committee?
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) is a political organization advocating for the rights and interests of the Baloch people in Pakistan, particularly related to issues such as enforced disappearances.
Why were the BYC leaders arrested?
The BYC leaders were arrested under allegations of attacking a civil hospital and inciting violence during a protest demanding justice for victims of enforced disappearances.
What does the extension of judicial remand signify?
The extension of judicial remand indicates that the detained leaders will remain in custody longer without a proper trial, raising concerns about their legal rights and fair treatment.
How does this situation reflect on democracy in Pakistan?
This situation highlights ongoing challenges to democracy in Pakistan, particularly concerning the suppression of dissent and the lack of transparency in judicial processes.
What can be done to support the BYC leaders?
Advocacy for their legal rights, public awareness campaigns, and international attention can help support the BYC leaders and raise awareness about human rights violations in Balochistan.
