QUETTA: A Quetta Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has ordered a 10-day police remand for central leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), including prominent activist Dr. Mahrang Baloch. The court’s decision came during a hearing on Tuesday, following police claims that the detained individuals are facing terrorism charges and further investigation is required.

Among those presented in court were Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Sibghatullah Shah Ji, Bibgar Baloch, Ghaffar Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, and Beebow Baloch. Police told the court that cases had been registered against the accused under anti-terrorism laws, and requested extended custody to continue their probe. The court accepted the request and approved a 10-day remand.

The arrests, originally made three months ago under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO), were initially scheduled for review today by a judicial board. However, in an unexpected move just hours before the review meeting, the MPO orders were withdrawn, and the detainees were transferred to the ATC instead.

Leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee have strongly condemned the move, calling it a “pre-planned strategy” to entangle peaceful political activists in “false and fabricated” cases.

According to the BYC, the FIRs filed against its members are “based on lies” and represent an ongoing campaign to suppress Baloch voices and political dissent.

The arrests and legal proceedings have sparked concern among human rights advocates and civil society groups, many of whom see the charges as an attempt to criminalise legitimate political activity.

Dr. Mahrang Baloch has emerged in recent years as a prominent voice for the Baloch people, particularly in matters related to enforced disappearances and state violence in Balochistan.

The latest developments are expected to intensify national and international scrutiny of Pakistan’s treatment of Baloch activists and its broader human rights record in the region.

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee has called for the immediate release of all detained leaders and has urged human rights organisations and democratic institutions to take notice of the state’s efforts to stifle peaceful political activism in Balochistan.