Why is Pakistan delaying legal proceedings against Baloch leaders?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Systematic delays in legal proceedings against Baloch leaders are raising serious human rights concerns.
- Detained leaders are experiencing unlawful detention and lack of access to adequate medical care.
- The BYC is calling for international attention and action to address these violations.
- Health issues among detainees highlight the urgent need for medical intervention.
- Claims of collusion between the judiciary and state agencies suggest a troubling trend in legal proceedings.
Quetta, Oct 10 (NationPress) The human rights organization Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has vocally criticized the intentional and systematic postponement of legal actions against the detained BYC central organizer, Mahrang Baloch, and other key leaders over the last six months.
The BYC indicated that Mahrang, along with Bebagar Baloch, SibgatUllah Shah Ji, and activists Beebow Baloch and Gulzadi Baloch, have endured extended and unlawful imprisonment.
As reported by the BYC, Pakistan’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has intentionally neglected to present the required complaint report, even after fifteen days since the last magistrate court hearing. The extension of deadlines for report submission by the court signifies a concerning trend of collusion between the Pakistani judiciary and state agencies, systematically stalling the proceedings against the BYC leaders.
The human rights body pointed out that following a lengthy period of physical remand, the BYC leadership was transferred to Hudda Jail in Quetta under judicial remand, continuing their detention without adherence to due process.
“Recently, the jail administration notified the detained BYC leaders that their upcoming hearing would take place within the jail rather than in court, citing alleged ‘security concerns.’ This action clearly infringes upon their fundamental rights and violates both national and international laws. Such measures seem aimed at prolonging their detention while applying psychological pressure on the detainees,” the BYC stated.
Expressing further concern, the rights organization noted that, beyond procedural infringements, disabled activist Bebagar Baloch is currently facing severe health issues, yet the Pakistani prison authorities are neglecting to provide necessary medical assistance.
“Bebagar, who has undergone two surgical procedures previously, is now suffering from a significant urinary stricture blockage, which medical experts have advised requires immediate surgical attention. The refusal of crucial medical care marks a serious breach of humanitarian principles and prisoners’ rights,” the BYC commented.
The BYC has urged the United Nations, international human rights organizations, and members of civil society to promptly address the situation and pressure the Government of Pakistan to fulfill its obligations under international law—ensuring fair trial rights, adequate medical treatment, and effective legal remedies for the detained BYC leaders and activists.