Why Did Pakistan Extend the Remand of Mahrang Baloch and Other Baloch Activists?

Quetta, Sep 11 (NationPress) - An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Pakistan's Quetta has extended the physical remand of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) chief Mahrang Baloch and other key members of the group for an additional 15 days at the request of law enforcement agencies, as reported by local media sources citing her legal representative.

Advocate Israr Baloch mentioned that the arrested leaders of BYC were brought before Judge Muhammad Ali Mubeen at Quetta ATC-1, who approved the police's request for an extension of their remand. Additionally, Sibghatullah Shahji, Bebow Baloch, Gulzadi, and Beberg Baloch were also presented in court.

Mahrang Baloch and other BYC members were detained on March 22 under accusations of “attacking” the Quetta Civil Hospital and “instigating violence.” Their arrests followed a significant police crackdown on the group, which was protesting against enforced disappearances, as reported by Dawn, a leading daily in Pakistan.

The BYC chief was initially arrested under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO), allowing authorities to detain individuals suspected of threatening public order for a period of 30 days. Later, in April, the Balochistan Home Department extended her detention for another 30 days. By June, the provincial government issued a fourth extension after the BYC leaders had spent three months in custody.

Following their detention under the MPO, Mahrang Baloch and other BYC leaders faced multiple charges under various sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Pakistan Penal Code. Their remand has been extended several times while they continue to remain in custody.

Earlier this week, the BYC accused the Pakistani government of misusing the MPO law to unjustly detain its leaders, with courts routinely approving remand extensions without demanding accountability from the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD).

The group also expressed frustration that lawyers repeatedly requested remand reports, but courts have shown reluctance in confronting the CTD. They highlighted that numerous cases have been filed against their leaders over the last two years for peaceful protests and video statements, with only three cases resolved and over 30 still pending.

The BYC criticized the court for granting another five-day remand for Mahrang Baloch and other leaders in a recent session, despite prior assurances that no further extensions would be issued. The group pointed out that this extension was approved on a public holiday, limiting the ability of lawyers and family members to attend due to road blockades. Protesters raised concerns about how an ordinary Baloch citizen, such as a shepherd, could expect justice when peaceful political activists face systemic denial.