The Balochistan High Court (BHC) on Tuesday rejected a petition seeking the release of detained human rights activist and Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) organiser Dr Mahrang Baloch, directing the petitioner to approach the Interior Ministry for further action.
Last Thursday, the BHC reserved its verdict on the petition filed by Nadia Baloch, Dr Baloch’s sister, challenging the detention of BYC leaders under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance.
The verdict was initially expected on Friday. However, sources familiar with the case said the announcement was delayed due to pressure from intelligence agencies, who allegedly demanded that Dr Baloch accept restrictive conditions in exchange for her release — conditions she reportedly refused.
According to journalists and those close to her, these terms included pledging not to associate with any group that may incite unrest, reporting “suspicious” individuals to police, avoiding public places like schools, parks, or stations, and seeking police permission before leaving home or meeting others.
The case was heard by a division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ejaz Ahmed Swati and Justice Muhammad Aamir Rana. The court converted the constitutional petition into a representation and sent it to the Balochistan home secretary for processing.
Speaking to reporters outside the court, Advocate Imran Baloch — who represents the petitioner — said the plea was seeking Dr Baloch’s release and for the MPO order to be declared illegal.
“We had asked the court to provide details of her case — that is our legal right,” he said. “However, instead of directing the government to provide those details, the court has told us to approach the home department.”
Dr Mahrang Baloch has been in custody since 22 March under the MPO law. She was arrested during a sit-in protest in Quetta, organised by the BYC, demanding an end to enforced disappearances and the release of detained activists.
‘Complete abdication of responsibility’
Reacting to the court’s decision, prominent lawyer and human rights advocate Imaan Mazari accused the judiciary of failing to uphold its constitutional duties.
“Leaving Dr Mahrang Baloch at the mercy of the same executive which dishonestly detained her and other BYC leaders is a complete abdication of responsibility,” she wrote on social media platform X.
“The MPO order should have been set aside and the High Court should have issued directions to have Dr. Mahrang Baloch released. But there are no courts in this country so perhaps expecting justice is a bit too much.”
BYC to hold press conference
Meanwhile, The Baloch Yakjehti Committee announced it will hold a press conference at 3:30 PM today at the Quetta Press Club to address the verdict. BYC members, lawyers and other associates are expected to attend.
The group said the briefing will present “facts related to this significant case” and called on media outlets to prioritise coverage.