BYC leaders and lawyers demand fair court proceedings

The sister and legal team of detained Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Dr. Mahrang Baloch, along with the organization itself, have voiced serious concerns about the ongoing judicial proceedings against BYC leaders. They described the use of jail trials and video-link hearings as inconsistent with the core principles of transparency, public accountability, and fair trial standards. Their statements highlight the need for judicial processes that respect the rights of the accused and uphold the standards of justice.

During a recent press conference, members of Dr. Baloch’s legal team explained that despite more than fourteen months of legal proceedings, their client and her associates have not been granted effective access to what can be considered a fair and open trial. They argued that the nature of the judicial process has repeatedly changed, shifting from administrative detention and multiple case registrations to extended physical remand, jail trials, and most recently, hearings conducted via video link. These changes, they said, undermine the fairness of the proceedings.

The lawyers emphasized that justice must not only be administered fairly but also be perceived as fair by the public. They expressed concern that the transition from in-person jail proceedings to remote video-link hearings has further limited transparency and public oversight. This shift, they argued, raises serious doubts about the impartiality of the trial process and the likely fairness of the outcomes.

The legal team also shared that detained BYC leaders have repeatedly raised concerns about the judicial environment and the conduct of proceedings during earlier jail trials. As a result, they filed a formal application requesting the replacement of the presiding judge, citing issues of bias and unfair treatment. However, despite four months passing since this request, no decision has been made, adding to concerns about the independence and impartiality of the judiciary involved in the case.

During the press conference, the legal representatives further alleged that the Prosecutor General adopted an aggressive stance during a recent hearing, which they claimed heightened concerns over judicial impartiality. Such conduct, they said, undermines the integrity of the legal process and raises questions about the fairness of the proceedings against the BYC leaders.

The lawyers also indicated that there are efforts underway to transfer more than fifteen cases registered under Section 144 in various districts of Balochistan to anti-terrorism courts. They expressed fears that this move could significantly prolong the detention of the accused and complicate the legal process, further infringing on their right to a timely and fair trial.

Meanwhile, the BYC announced that its detained leaders have begun a protest inside prison against the continuation of jail and video-link trial proceedings. In a separate statement, the organization condemned the shift to what it described as “faceless” trials, arguing that such methods undermine public oversight and restrict the legal and constitutional rights of detainees. They emphasized that transparency and open court hearings are fundamental components of a fair trial.

The organization maintained that their leaders are demanding that all cases be heard in open court, with full access to legal counsel, family members, and other protections guaranteed under the law. They called for the immediate termination of jail and video-link trials, the transfer of proceedings to open courts, and an expedited review of their application seeking a change of judge. These demands aim to restore transparency and ensure judicial fairness.

Additionally, the BYC announced plans to launch an online campaign to raise awareness about the issue and to support the ongoing prison protest by its detained leaders. They hope to garner broader attention and mobilize support for their cause, emphasizing the importance of fair legal processes and accountability.

The legal team has appealed to Pakistan’s legal community, human rights organizations, civil society groups, political parties, media outlets, and international human rights bodies to monitor the case closely. They urged these bodies to advocate for adherence to fair trial standards, judicial transparency, and the protection of constitutional rights. Their call underscores the importance of collective efforts to ensure justice and uphold fundamental legal principles.

Until now, there has been no response from the prosecution, judiciary, or relevant authorities regarding the serious allegations and demands raised by the legal team and the BYC. The lack of official reply has added to concerns about the transparency and fairness of the judicial process in this case.

It is important to note that Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a prominent Baloch rights activist and organizer of the BYC, was detained along with several associates in March 2025 following a protest in Quetta. Since then, she and other BYC leaders, including Gulzadi Baloch, Beebow Baloch, Beeberg Zehri Baloch, Shah Ji Baloch, and other activists, have remained in custody under various legal provisions. Authorities have accused them of involvement in activities deemed unlawful, allegations that the organization has consistently rejected.

The BYC has emerged over recent years as one of the most visible civil rights movements in Balochistan. The organization has actively organized demonstrations, campaigns, and protests against enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and other human rights violations. Their activities include long marches, sit-ins, and public gatherings across Balochistan and other parts of Pakistan, drawing national and international attention to issues faced by the Baloch people.