The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has accused the court hearing detained activist Gulzadi Baloch’s case of judicial bias and denying her the right to a defence, citing alleged remarks by the judge and proceedings conducted without her lawyer.
“On multiple occasions, the judge has stated that he is under pressure and may have to award life imprisonment or even a death sentence,” the BYC said in a statement posted on X.
The allegations come after an anti-terrorism court in Quetta sentenced BYC chief organiser Dr Mahrang Baloch and central leader Sibghatullah Shahji to life imprisonment in June.
Read More: Life Sentence: Mahrang and the Trial of Balochistan’s Peaceful Politics — TBP Report
The BYC said the court proceeded with Gulzadi’s case on Sept. 7 despite a court strike and the absence of defence counsel. It added that a witness was cross-examined without defence representation.
The group said the proceedings raised concerns under Article 10-A of Pakistan’s Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair trial and due process, and Article 14(3)(b) and (d) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which covers adequate facilities for preparing a defence and access to legal assistance.
Gulzadi Baloch, a BYC member and woman human rights defender, was arrested in Quetta on April 7, 2025. She was initially detained under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order Act, while subsequent cases and remand proceedings have kept her in custody.
The BYC alleged that proceedings, decisions and continued inaction by the Balochistan High Court had contributed to her prolonged detention and denial of justice.
It also said “faceless proceedings” involving BYC leaders were continuing while their bail applications faced prolonged and unexplained delays, adding that detainees should not be subjected to “punishment through the process itself”.
In June, Gulzadi and other detained BYC leaders staged a sit-in inside Huda Jail after their cases were moved to video-link proceedings. They demanded open-court hearings and access to their lawyers and families.
Read More: BYC Leaders’ Jail Sit-In Against ‘Faceless Trial’ Continues for Fourth Day
The BYC called on judicial and constitutional authorities to ensure impartial proceedings, protect Gulzadi’s right to a defence, examine the conduct of the judge and promptly decide pending bail and constitutional matters.
“No institution should be permitted to undermine fundamental rights or allow judicial delay to become a substitute for justice.”