Quetta:
An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Quetta has awarded police 10-day physical custody by Dr. Mahrang Baloch, the head of the Baloch YakjeTi Committee (BYC) and five other members of the group.
ATC’s decision comes as an extension of their ongoing detention, which has already lasted over three months.
During Tuesday’s consultation, six BYC members, including Dr. Mahrang, presented to Judge Saadat Bazai. The court approved the prosecutor’s request to extend their custody and give investigators more time for questioning. The other detained activists include Gulzadi, Bow Baloch, Sibghatullah Shahji, Ghaffar Baloch and Beberg Baloch.
The detainees were represented before the court by lawyer Israr Baloch and spokesman for Shoaib Baloch, who argued against the long -term detention. However, the judge benefited the state with reference to the need for further investigation.
BYC, known for its activism against enforced disappearance in Balochistan since 2018, has been under increasing control of law enforcement authorities.
Dr. Mahrang and several of her colleagues were originally arrested in March after a protest was strained near Quetta’s civil hospital. Authorities have accused them of encouraging public suffering and confronting police forces during the demonstration.
