Quetta’s Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has extended the physical remand of Dr Mahrang Baloch, keeping her and other Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) activists in custody for another 15 days. The decision came after police requested an extension in the ongoing case involving serious allegations. Mahrang Baloch, a prominent human rights activist, remains in the Quetta District Jail alongside several others facing terrorism-related charges.
The court previously remanded Mahrang Baloch and other BYC organisers into police custody on July 8, following an FIR registered at the Saryab Police Station. This FIR invoked Sections 7 and 11W of the Anti-Terrorism Act as well as 16 provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code. The charges against Mahrang Baloch and her colleagues include terrorism, attempted murder, incitement to violence, damage to public property, and promoting racial hatred. Authorities allege that Mahrang Baloch and the BYC leadership supported rioters responsible for attacking police and civilians, which led to the deaths of three individuals and injuries to 15 police officers.
Mahrang Baloch’s remand extended amid serious terrorism allegations
During the latest hearing, six BYC organisers — Mahrang Baloch, Gulzadi, Beebow Baloch, Sibghatullah Shahji, Ghaffar Baloch, and Beberg Baloch — were presented before ATC Judge Muhammad Ali Mubeen. The court extended their remand until early August. Mahrang Baloch’s legal team is expected to file objections, but as of now, she and her fellow activists remain in custody under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance.
The legal case includes an additional FIR from Civil Lines Police Station involving an incident in March where 100–150 people reportedly stormed Quetta’s Civil Hospital. According to the FIR, the mob forcibly removed the bodies of individuals involved in the Jaffer Express train bombing from the hospital morgue — an act allegedly encouraged by Mahrang Baloch and BYC’s leadership.
Mahrang Baloch’s remand extended despite civil society backlash
The extended remand of Mahrang Baloch has triggered renewed criticism from civil society. Earlier this year, more than 100 civil society representatives signed a joint letter addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging immediate intervention for the release of Mahrang Baloch and other BYC members. The letter condemned the arrests as an attempt to silence voices raising concerns over enforced disappearances and human rights violations in Balochistan. Despite such calls, Mahrang Baloch continues to face serious legal proceedings in the Quetta ATC.
