A Pakistani court has refused to examine the case of activist Mahrang Baloch, prolonging her detention and raising concerns from her legal team. The 32-year-old activist, who is also a surgeon, was arrested on March 22 on charges including terrorism, sedition, and murder after leading a demonstration.
The Balochistan High Court redirected the appeal to the provincial government, drawing criticism from her lawyers. Kamran Murtaza, her counsel, described it as a denial of justice. Another lawyer, Imaan Mazari, criticized the judiciary for leaving Baloch’s fate in the hands of the very administration that detained her. Pakistani law allows such detentions to be extended multiple times, which could lead to her being held indefinitely.
Mahrang Baloch, recognized internationally as a promising leader by Time Magazine in 2024, heads the Baloch Unity Committee. The group advocates for peaceful resolutions to issues such as enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. However, the state denies any involvement in human rights violations.
Supporters of Baloch have launched protests, with thousands of demonstrators blocking main roads in Quetta for over two weeks, demanding the release of detained activists. The United Nations has also raised concerns about Baloch’s detention and well-being.
Balochistan, a province bordering Iran and Afghanistan, remains mired in unrest. While it boasts significant natural resources, the region is marked by separatist violence and security operations, often targeting activists and dissenters like Mahrang Baloch.
