BYC claims Balochistan courts are powerless against state forces

Families of Baloch missing persons and representatives of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) held a press conference in Islamabad on Sunday to voice their concerns about the lack of justice in Balochistan. They emphasized that the judicial system appears powerless in the face of state institutions, unable to deliver accountability or justice for the victims. The families described the situation as deeply oppressive, highlighting their ongoing struggle for justice and transparency.

The Baloch families revealed that they have been staging a sit-in in Islamabad for the past 54 days, demanding an end to enforced disappearances and access to justice. Despite their persistent protests, they reported that the attitude of the state remains “oppressive and non-transparent,” further intensifying their frustration and sense of helplessness. They called for urgent action to address these longstanding issues.

Alleging a brutal crackdown in Balochistan, the families accused state forces of operating without accountability or oversight. They claimed that security personnel have been given free rein to commit atrocities in broad daylight, with impunity. The families expressed deep concern over the absence of effective mechanisms to hold these forces accountable, which has contributed to a climate of fear and repression.

The BYC also shed light on the alarming rise in enforced disappearances, stating that over one thousand cases had been reported across Balochistan in just the first eight months of 2025. They emphasized that this pattern of enforced disappearances reflects a systematic attempt to silence political activists and dissenting voices, creating a climate of fear among the local population.

Addressing the detention of BYC leaders, the organization accused authorities of using the March Jaffar Express incident as a pretext to launch an organized campaign against its leadership. Despite no evidence linking them to any crime, the leaders remain in detention. The BYC condemned the use of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law to justify their continued detention, criticizing courts for repeatedly approving remand extensions without demanding accountability.

The group highlighted the plight of the legal process, noting that dozens of cases have been registered against their leaders over the past two years for participating in peaceful protests and issuing video statements. While only three cases have reached a conclusion, more than thirty remain pending, showcasing the sluggish and politicized nature of the judicial process. They also criticized recent court decisions that granted further remand extensions on public holidays, when lawyers and families could not attend.

Protesters questioned the very prospect of justice for ordinary Baloch citizens, such as shepherds, emphasizing that if even peaceful political activists are denied justice, it is unimaginable for common people to hope for fair treatment. The families and activists concluded by reaffirming their demand for justice, accountability, and an end to enforced disappearances, calling on the government to address their grievances without delay.