Pakistani Authorities Block Families of Detained BYC Leaders from Press Conference in Quetta
Synopsis
In Quetta, the families of detained Baloch Yakjehti Committee leaders faced police obstruction while trying to hold a press conference. Highlighting their leaders' dire health conditions, the families' voices were silenced by authorities, raising serious concerns about human rights violations.
Key Takeaways
Police Blockade: Families of BYC leaders were obstructed from holding a press conference.
Health Concerns: Families expressed serious worries about the health of detained leaders.
Legal Obstruction: Authorities enforced unnecessary legal requirements on certain families.
Human Rights Violations: Incidents raise alarms about freedom of expression in Pakistan.
Call for Action: BYC demands medical attention for Mahrang Baloch and an end to unlawful detentions.
Quetta, March 3 (NationPress) In a troubling turn of events, several relatives of detained leaders from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) were barred by Pakistani police from conducting a press conference at the Quetta Press Club, according to accounts from family members. The families asserted that the police surrounded the press club early Monday, hindering their access to the venue and restricting movement in nearby areas to prevent them from engaging with the media outside.
Nadia Baloch, the sister of BYC Central Organiser Mahrang Baloch, shared on her social media platform X that the families convened to address the ongoing detention of BYC leaders and to highlight concerns regarding Mahrang's deteriorating health.
She alleged that they were kept outside the Press Club and were required to first secure a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the deputy commissioner, despite other groups being granted permission to hold press conferences at the same location.
“While other families were allowed to hold press conferences, we were questioned about why we needed an NOC and not them. We were informed it was an 'order from above' that only certain families—those with children who have gone to the mountains or are involved in drug-related cases—could hold conferences here. Families of missing persons or other political groups would be barred,” Nadia posted on X.
She remarked that the families were compelled to hold their press conference while sitting on the steps of the Quetta Press Club.
“At this point, a large police presence arrived, trying to disperse journalists to prevent them from documenting our press conference. The situation has escalated due to the incompetent governance in Balochistan, to the extent that simply speaking out or asking questions is now forbidden,” she continued.
Condemning the actions of the Pakistani authorities, BYC leader Sabiha Baloch took to X, stating: “The illegal detention of Baloch Yakjehti Committee leaders, denial of essential medical care, and obstruction from conducting a press conference at public forums like the Press Club signify not the rule of law, but rather the misuse of power and a fascist governance style.”
The BYC has voiced serious concerns regarding the deteriorating health condition and unlawful detention of its chief organiser, Mahrang Baloch, urging the Pakistani authorities to provide immediate medical assistance and facilitate her release.
Point of View
Legal rights, and the treatment of political activists in Pakistan. This situation demands careful scrutiny and calls for immediate attention from human rights organizations.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the attempted press conference?
Families of detained Baloch Yakjehti Committee leaders were blocked by police from entering the Quetta Press Club to hold a press conference.
Why were the families prevented from holding the press conference?
The police required the families to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the deputy commissioner, which was not demanded from other groups at the same venue.
What concerns did the families want to address?
They aimed to highlight the ongoing detention of BYC leaders and express worries about Mahrang Baloch's deteriorating health condition.
How did the authorities respond to the families?
The authorities attempted to disperse journalists and prevent coverage of the families' press conference.
What did BYC leaders say about the situation?
BYC leaders condemned the actions as illegal and reflective of a fascist style of governance that suppresses basic human rights.
