BYC leader Sammi Deen was jailed under MPO after a Karachi court ordered his release.
The Sindh government claims security concerns for their custody; ten more activists arrested in Quetta.
• BHC accepts plea against Mahrang's arrest and authorises prison meeting.
Crackdown on BYC Activists: A Legal and Political Analysis
The recent imprisonment of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) chairman Sammi Deen Baloch under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) legislation has renewed worries about Pakistan's suppression of political opposition. This action occurred shortly after a judicial magistrate ordered her and four other activists' freedom in a case involving a breach of Section 144. Human rights organisations and legal experts have expressed indignation over the activists' re-arrest and disappearance.
The recent imprisonment of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) chairman Sammi Deen Baloch under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) legislation has renewed worries about Pakistan's suppression of political opposition. This action occurred shortly after a judicial magistrate ordered her and four other activists' freedom in a case involving a breach of Section 144. Human rights organisations and legal experts have expressed indignation over the activists' re-arrest and disappearance.
Legal Controversy surrounding the arrests
Citing security concerns, the Karachi police requested permission to present the imprisoned activists in a judicial facility within the central jail rather than the municipal courts. Following legal proceedings, the court ordered the activists' release, citing that their arrest was illegal under Sections 4-(n) and 155-(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which prohibit the detention of individuals for non-cognizable offences without p
rior approval from a magistrate.
Despite the verdict, Sammi Deen Baloch was promptly re-arrested under the MPO law for 30 days. The whereabouts of the remaining four activists, Razak Ali, Abdul Wahab, Shehdad, and Sultan, are unknown. The abrupt and arbitrary character of these detentions has generated major concerns about the abuse of presidential power.
Citing security concerns, the Karachi police requested permission to present the imprisoned activists in a judicial facility within the central jail rather than the municipal courts. Following legal proceedings, the court ordered the activists' release, citing that their arrest was illegal under Sections 4-(n) and 155-(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which prohibit the detention of individuals for non-cognizable offences without p
rior approval from a magistrate.
Despite the verdict, Sammi Deen Baloch was promptly re-arrested under the MPO law for 30 days. The whereabouts of the remaining four activists, Razak Ali, Abdul Wahab, Shehdad, and Sultan, are unknown. The abrupt and arbitrary character of these detentions has generated major concerns about the abuse of presidential power.
Public Reaction and Government Justification
According to an official order from the Sindh Home Department, the police justified the detentions by claiming concerns about public safety. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh accused the activists of instigating the people to hold rallies and block roadways, threatening peace and order.
However, legal experts contend that such explanations are a clear abuse of the MPO ordinance, which has historically been used to quiet political protest rather than protect public order. The Karachi Bar Association (KBA) also decried Sammi Baloch's re-arrest, calling it an infringement on the judiciary's independence.
According to an official order from the Sindh Home Department, the police justified the detentions by claiming concerns about public safety. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh accused the activists of instigating the people to hold rallies and block roadways, threatening peace and order.
However, legal experts contend that such explanations are a clear abuse of the MPO ordinance, which has historically been used to quiet political protest rather than protect public order. The Karachi Bar Association (KBA) also decried Sammi Baloch's re-arrest, calling it an infringement on the judiciary's independence.
Escalation in Balochistan: Mass arrests and Sedition Charges
The crackdown has not been restricted to Karachi. In Quetta, police have detained at least ten additional BYC members and filed various cases against them on serious accusations including as sedition, inciting to violence, and property destruction. The cases, filed at numerous police stations, include prominent BYC leaders like as Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Sabiha Baloch, and Nosheen Baloch, as well as over 500 unidentified activists.
The Balochistan High Court (BHC) has allowed a petition challenging BYC leader Dr. Mahrang Baloch's incarceration, claiming that her arrest infringes constitutional rights, including Articles 15 (freedom of movement), 16 (freedom of assembly), and 19 (freedom of expression). The court has also given her family and attorneys access to see her in jail.
The crackdown has not been restricted to Karachi. In Quetta, police have detained at least ten additional BYC members and filed various cases against them on serious accusations including as sedition, inciting to violence, and property destruction. The cases, filed at numerous police stations, include prominent BYC leaders like as Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Sabiha Baloch, and Nosheen Baloch, as well as over 500 unidentified activists.
The Balochistan High Court (BHC) has allowed a petition challenging BYC leader Dr. Mahrang Baloch's incarceration, claiming that her arrest infringes constitutional rights, including Articles 15 (freedom of movement), 16 (freedom of assembly), and 19 (freedom of expression). The court has also given her family and attorneys access to see her in jail.
In conclusion
Pakistan's legal and democratic institutions are being put to the test by the escalating crackdown on BYC activists. Will the state continue to use its authority unchallenged, or will the courts resist executive overreach? Whether the rule of law triumphs or political repression intensifies will be decided in the days ahead.
Human rights advocates and campaigners are still demanding justice, but it is unclear if their voices will be heeded.
Pakistan's legal and democratic institutions are being put to the test by the escalating crackdown on BYC activists. Will the state continue to use its authority unchallenged, or will the courts resist executive overreach? Whether the rule of law triumphs or political repression intensifies will be decided in the days ahead.
Human rights advocates and campaigners are still demanding justice, but it is unclear if their voices will be heeded.
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