An anti-terrorism court in Quetta has convicted Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) chief organiser Dr Mahrang Baloch along with another group leader in a case linked to a 2024 protest in Gwadar. The court found them guilty in connection with the death of a security personnel during violent clashes.
The verdict was delivered by ATC Quetta-1 Judge Muhammad Ali Mobeen after hearing arguments in the case involving the death of a Frontier Corps (FC) member who sustained fatal injuries during stone pelting at a protest site.
According to legal representatives, the court awarded life imprisonment to Mahrang Baloch and BYC leader Sibghatullah Shahji following the completion of proceedings.
A written judgment has not yet been issued by the court.
Court Announces Verdict in Gwadar Protest Case
The case relates to unrest that occurred during a protest in Gwadar in 2024, when demonstrations organised under the Baloch Rajee Muchi movement turned violent.
During the clashes, security personnel and protesters confronted each other, resulting in casualties on both sides.
Authorities stated that the violence led to the death of a Frontier Corps personnel, while several others were injured during the confrontation.
The court proceedings focused on determining responsibility for the fatal incident involving stone pelting and alleged armed confrontation.
Background of the 2024 Gwadar Incident
The protests in Gwadar took place on July 29, 2024, when BYC supporters gathered for a large public demonstration.
Clashes reportedly occurred at multiple locations, including the Talar check-post and Marine Drive area, where fatalities and injuries were reported.
Earlier, as protesters moved toward Gwadar, officials in Kalat had issued statements alleging an attack on a Levies checkpoint near Mastung.
Authorities claimed that the rally was stopped outside Mastung for negotiations, but later escalations resulted in armed clashes and injuries on both sides.
Arrests and Legal Proceedings Against BYC Leaders
Following the incidents, BYC leaders including Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shahji were taken into custody and faced multiple legal cases.
Mahrang Baloch was first arrested on March 22 last year and detained under the Balochistan Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) for 30 days.
Her detention was extended twice before she was later booked in additional cases under the Anti-Terrorism Act and Pakistan Penal Code.
Authorities pursued multiple legal proceedings against BYC leadership in connection with protest-related violence.
Continued Detention and Court Challenges
Both leaders have remained in detention for an extended period while facing multiple charges.
Legal petitions seeking their release were previously filed and later rejected by the Balochistan High Court in May 2025.
The decisions were subsequently challenged in higher courts, but proceedings continued alongside ongoing cases.
Legal Status and Wider Context
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee is not listed as a banned organisation by the National Counter Terrorism Authority.
However, Dr Mahrang Baloch has been included in the list of proscribed individuals maintained by relevant authorities.
The latest verdict adds a significant development to ongoing legal and political proceedings linked to the 2024 Gwadar protests, which continue to draw national attention.
