20-day extension granted for Dr Mahrang Baloch and other BYC leaders’ remand

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Quetta has extended the police remand of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, the central organizer of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), along with five other BYC leaders, for an additional 20 days. The decision comes after the expiry of their initial 15-day remand period, during which authorities sought further custody for investigation.

Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Beebow Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, Sibghatullah Shah Ji, Bebrag Baloch, and Ghaffar Baloch were presented before Judge Muhammad Ali Mubeen on Saturday. Their lawyers contested the extension, with Advocate Israr Jattak, representing Dr. Baloch, arguing that there was no legal basis for prolonging their detention.

The police informed the court that three separate cases had been registered against the accused at the Civil Lines and Brewery Road police stations. Despite objections from the defense, the judge approved the police’s request, citing the need for further investigation, and granted a 20-day remand extension.

Lawyers for the accused criticized the repeated remand extensions, claiming they were being used as a tactic to harass and intimidate their clients. They argued that such practices violated legal norms and denied the accused their right to a fair process.

During the hearing, Dr. Mahrang Baloch addressed the court directly, raising concerns about the interrogation process. “Remand means that you question us, but in the past 25 days, you haven’t asked us a single question,” he remarked, highlighting what he perceived as a lack of substantive investigation.

Outside the court, a large crowd had gathered to show support for the BYC leadership. Supporters chanted slogans and expressed solidarity, emphasizing their commitment to continue their struggle despite the hardships faced in detention and imprisonment.

BYC leaders used the occasion to call for unity among their supporters. They urged the community to remain organized and resilient, asserting that prisons and adversity would not weaken their resolve to seek justice and rights for the Baloch people.

Addressing the crowd, Dr. Baloch criticized Islamabad’s policies, claiming that the government cannot tolerate the presence of Baloch mothers demanding justice. She accused authorities of applying a double standard, where laws and courts are used against Baloch activists while other interests benefit from the land’s resources.

She further alleged that the judiciary and courts are being manipulated to serve the interests of the state. “We are exposing the laws and courts of this country to the whole world through our struggle,” Dr. Baloch declared, framing their resistance as a fight against systemic injustice.

In a strong statement issued after the hearing, the BYC condemned the court’s decision to extend the remand. They described it as “a collusion between the judiciary and state institutions to silence Balochistan’s voice,” criticizing what they see as a systematic effort to suppress dissent.

The group accused the judiciary of violating fundamental principles of law and justice, raising concerns about the independence of Pakistan’s courts. They argued that the courts are succumbing to pressure from military and state authorities, undermining the rule of law and enabling repression.

The BYC further criticized the practice of repeatedly extending physical remand, noting that under the Anti-Terrorism Act, such extensions beyond 14 days require substantial evidence. They claimed that such legal standards are being disregarded in Balochistan, with courts acting as tools of oppression rather than institutions of justice.