Why Are Rights Bodies Alarmed Over Beebarg Baloch's Health?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Beebarg Baloch is a paralyzed human rights defender facing critical health issues in detention.
- He underwent surgery after months of neglect.
- Pakistani authorities plan to return him to prison instead of providing proper care.
- His condition may lead to severe complications, including kidney failure.
- Human rights organizations are demanding urgent international intervention.
Quetta, Oct 15 (NationPress) Numerous human rights organizations have raised significant concerns regarding the worsening health and unlawful imprisonment of Beebarg Baloch, a paralyzed human rights advocate and prominent leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), who has been held in a Pakistani prison for several months.
The BYC reported that Beebarg underwent surgery on Tuesday after enduring months of inadequate medical care while being held in illegal detention.
Despite this, the rights organization indicated that Pakistani authorities intend to return him to jail immediately instead of allowing for proper medical observation or transferring him to a rehabilitation facility.
“He has been enduring severe muscle atrophy due to substandard medical treatment, resulting in the dangerous condition of deep vein thrombosis. Additionally, he has been battling a painful infection since September caused by a urethral stricture that obstructed his ureteral system. His condition puts him at high risk for septicaemia and kidney failure,” stated the BYC.
The BYC disclosed that their legal and medical teams had to repeatedly approach Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) for permission, even though Beebarg's surgery was critically urgent.
“This negligent decision portrays a complete disregard for his vulnerable situation. His health is rapidly declining due to insufficient care. He has already suffered for months without receiving the vital medical attention he requires. Immediate action is necessary for his condition,” emphasized the BYC.
Condemning the neglect, Paank, the Human Rights Department of the Baloch National Movement, stated that withholding essential medical care from a disabled detainee constitutes cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment per international human rights standards.
The rights organization pointed out that under Section 169 of the Pakistan Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), detainees whose trials are unnecessarily prolonged or lack sufficient evidence may be granted bail or bond. They asserted that given Beebarg's medical state and absence of legitimate charges, his continued detention is unlawful.
Paank urged the United Nations, Amnesty International, and the broader international human rights community to urgently intervene and compel Pakistan to fulfill its obligations.