QUETTA: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Quetta on Friday refused to extend the physical remand of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Dr Mahrang Baloch and four other organisers, directing that they be shifted to jail on judicial remand.
Advocate Israr Jatak, a member of the BYC legal team, confirmed the development, saying the court had rejected a request by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) to prolong custody. “Quetta ATC-1 refused to extend the physical remand of five accused — Mahrang, Bebow Baloch, Sibghatullah Shahji, Beberg Baloch and Gulzadi — and ordered them to be sent to jail,” he told reporters.
Judge Muhammad Ali Mubeen presided over the hearing, during which CTD officials produced the accused at the end of their 15-day physical remand granted on September 11. Advocates Shoaib Mengal and Israr Jatak appeared for the defence.
The CTD argued for an extension, but the judge turned down the request, ordering that the accused be handed to jail authorities.
The case dates back to March 22, when Mahrang and other BYC leaders were arrested after a police crackdown on protests against alleged enforced disappearances in Quetta. Authorities accused them of “attacking” the Civil Hospital and “inciting people to violence.”
Initially detained under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO), Mahrang’s custody was repeatedly extended by the Balochistan Home Department. Later, cases were registered against her and other organisers under various provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act and Pakistan Penal Code.
Formed in 2018, the BYC is an advocacy group that campaigns against enforced disappearances in Balochistan.
