The Balochistan High Court has issued notices to respondents in a constitutional petition filed by leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), challenging the legality of what they described as “faceless” trial proceedings and restrictions on public access to court hearings, according to a statement issued by the organisation.
BYC said it welcomed the court’s action on the petition, which contests the use of faceless trials and limitations imposed on open and public court proceedings.
According to the organisation, on 11 August 2026, the Balochistan High Court issued notices to the parties concerned in a petition filed by Dr Mahrang Baloch, Beebow Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, Sibghatullah Shah Ji and Beebarg Baloch, who are currently detained in Quetta District Jail and are facing ongoing legal proceedings.
The petition challenges the application of Section 21 of the Anti-Terrorism Act as well as government notifications issued on 10 October 2025, 24 November 2025 and 12 June 2026.
The petition requests the court to declare the notifications unlawful and unconstitutional, arguing that they are inconsistent with Articles 4, 9, 10-A, 14, 25 and 175(3) of the Constitution of Pakistan. It also seeks to have any trial proceedings conducted in prison settings, under alleged administrative pressure, or in the absence of the petitioners and their legal counsel declared void.
In addition, the petition asks for all pending cases and legal proceedings against the petitioners to be transferred to another competent court. It also requests that authorities be restrained from exerting administrative or governmental influence over judges or ongoing court proceedings.
The petition further seeks an order preventing the appointment of substitute or state-appointed lawyers in circumstances that could affect the petitioners’ right to legal representation of their choice. It also calls for detainees to be granted confidential and unrestricted access to their lawyers in order to prepare their defence effectively.
According to BYC, the petition asks the court to restore open court proceedings with public access, as was the practice before the notification issued on 12 June 2026, arguing that such measures are necessary to uphold principles of justice, equality and due process.
In its statement, BYC described the issuance of notices by the High Court as an important development, saying it would allow the legality and constitutionality of the challenged measures to be examined through judicial review. The organisation stated that respondents would now be required to submit their replies and explain the legal basis for the measures being challenged.
BYC reiterated its position that the right to a fair and transparent trial should not be undermined through procedures that restrict public access to judicial proceedings. It said transparency, adherence to legal standards and the protection of fundamental rights should be ensured in cases involving political detainees and other accused persons.
The organisation further argued that closed-door or faceless trial proceedings raise serious concerns regarding transparency, accountability and the accused individuals’ right to an effective defence. It stated that justice should not only be carried out in accordance with the law but should also be seen to be carried out through processes that remain open to public scrutiny.
BYC said the petition extends beyond the legal cases of its detained leadership and concerns broader issues relating to judicial independence, transparency in court proceedings, due process, fundamental rights and the rule of law.
The organisation added that it would continue to pursue legal and peaceful avenues to protect the rights of its detained leaders and members, while advocating for transparent, open and fair judicial proceedings.