April 28, 2025
Staff Report
LAHORE
The hunger strike led by Baloch Solidarity Committee (BYC) central organiser Dr Mahrang Baloch and fellow BYC leaders entered its fifth day on Monday, April 28, with the group raising concerns over their rapidly worsening health.
Dr Mahrang Baloch, along with BYC leaders Shahzaib Sibghatullah, Bebarg Baloch, Beebow Baloch, and Gulzadi Baloch, began the hunger strike on April 25 to protest alleged mistreatment in custody. In a statement shared on social media, the BYC warned that the health of its detained leaders was “deteriorating rapidly due to the hunger strike” and called on all Baloch political and social organisations to unite against the “ongoing repression.”
Mahrang and other BYC activists were arrested on March 22 for allegedly “attacking” Quetta Civil Hospital and “inciting violence.” The arrests came a day after police cracked down on their protest in Quetta against alleged enforced disappearances.
Mahrang’s sister appeals to CJP for intervention
Earlier, Dr Mahrang Baloch’s sister, Nadia Baloch, wrote to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi, seeking urgent intervention against the alleged mistreatment of her sister and other BYC leaders in prison.
In her letter on April 26, Nadia claimed that Mahrang faces “daily mental torture and coercion to abandon her peaceful movement.” She further alleged that when Mahrang refused to comply, authorities attempted to move her to an undisclosed location on April 23, 2025, and physically assaulted her after she resisted.
Nadia also raised concerns over the transfer of Beebow Baloch to District Jail Pishin, stating that her whereabouts remained unknown for an entire day. She condemned the detention of Sibghatullah Shah, Bebarg Baloch, and Gulzadi Baloch, asserting that their treatment violates Articles 4 (right to due process), 9 (right to life and liberty), and 14 (protection against torture) of the Constitution, as well as Rules 939, 940, and 1065 of the Pakistan Prison Rules, 1978.
She urged the CJP to take immediate notice of the alleged physical and mental torture; prevent any unlawful transfers without due process and ensure the detainees’ fundamental rights and safety are upheld.
BHC issues notices
Separately, the Balochistan High Court (BHC) heard three cases concerning the detained BYC leaders on Monday.
In a new constitutional petition, the court issued a notice to the provincial government regarding Dr. Mahrang Baloch’s detention under the 3-MPO (Maintenance of Public Order) and adjourned further hearings until tomorrow.
Regarding Mahrang’s petition for safety in prison, the court directed the Provincial Home Department and jail authorities to ensure her full protection.
Additionally, the court ruled that Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shahji must remain in their current detention facility, rejecting any proposed transfer. However, Gulzadi Baloch’s sister was excluded from the petition due to the absence of her national identity card. Weeks earlier, the BHC had rejected Mahrang’s bail application and referred the case to the Balochistan Home Secretary for further proceedings.