BYC accuses Pakistan of using courts as a tool of repression in Balochistan

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has accused Pakistani authorities of deliberately prolonging the illegal detention of its key leaders through systematic legal delays and the denial of justice, reports 24brussels. According to The Balochistan Post, the organisation claimed that central organisers Dr Mahrang Baloch, Beebarg Baloch, Sibghatullah Shah Jee, Beebow Baloch, and Gul Zadi Baloch remain imprisoned under extended judicial remand after an already protracted period of physical detention. Despite multiple court orders, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has not yet filed a formal charge sheet, which the BYC interpreted as a deliberate tactic to extend their custody indefinitely.

The BYC asserted that ongoing court extensions demonstrate a “coordinated effort” between judicial and security institutions to deny the detainees their constitutional rights. Additionally, the group condemned the authorities’ recent decision to transfer upcoming court hearings to Quetta’s Hudda Jail instead of conducting them in an open court. They labelled this shift as a “serious violation of fundamental rights” and a breach of both domestic and international legal norms.

The organisation expressed serious concern about the health condition of detained social activist Beebarg Baloch, who reportedly suffers from a blocked urinary tract requiring immediate medical attention. Allegations surfaced that prison officials have refused to provide him with adequate treatment, which the BYC described as “cruel, inhumane, and contrary to international humanitarian standards,” as noted by The Balochistan Post.

In its appeal, the BYC called upon the United Nations, international human rights organisations, and global civil society groups to intervene and hold Pakistan accountable for what it deemed “unlawful detention and systematic rights violations.” The statement highlighted that the ongoing suppression of peaceful Baloch voices illustrates Islamabad’s escalating crackdown on dissent and its disregard for due process, according to The Balochistan Post.