QUETTA: The Quetta Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has approved an extension of physical remand for Mahrang Baloch and other activists associated with the Baloch Youth Committee (BYC). Their detention has been prolonged until early August as investigations continue.
The charges against them encompass a range of serious offenses, including terrorism, murder, attempted murder, incitement to violence, rebellion, creating public disorder, inciting racial hatred, and property destruction. Currently, Mahrang and 17 others are held at Quetta District Jail under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance.
According to authorities, the accused, including Mahrang and BYC leaders, allegedly aided rioters in attacking police personnel, civilians, and fellow protesters, leading to three fatalities and injuring 15 police officers. The group is also implicated in the assault on the Civil Hospital and the illegal removal of bodies from the Jaffer Express train bombing site. The First Information Report (FIR), lodged at Civil Lines Police Station in Quetta in March, details that 100 to 150 individuals stormed the hospital to forcibly retrieve the bodies of attack victims, reportedly upon instructions from BYC leadership.
On July 8, the Quetta ATC ordered that Mahrang and other activists be taken into police custody for an additional 10 days, extending their detention that had already lasted for three months. During today’s hearing, six activists—including Gulzadi, Beebow Baloch, Sibghatullah Shahji, Ghaffar Baloch, and Beberg Baloch appeared before Judge Muhammad Ali Mubeen. At the police’s request, the court approved a further 15-day remand, keeping the activists in custody until early August.
Earlier, in March, over a hundred civil society representatives appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging immediate action for the release of detained BYC leaders. In a joint letter, they condemned the arrests, describing them as an effort to suppress voices advocating for an end to enforced disappearances and the protection of fundamental rights for Balochistan’s residents.
