Mahrang Baloch, a prominent activist fighting against enforced disappearances in Balochistan, has been handed a life sentence for the 2024 death of a paramilitary soldier. Alongside fellow activist Sibghatullah, Baloch was convicted of terrorism and murder by a Quetta anti-terrorism court. Prosecutors argued the pair incited a mob in Gwadar that led to the fatal attack on Shabbir Ahmed.
Both activists, who have been detained for two years, boycotted the trial proceedings. Their legal representatives and family members, including sister Nadia Baloch, have denounced the verdict as a denial of due process, citing the inability to properly cross-examine witnesses who appeared via video link. International figures, such as Greta Thunberg, have labeled the trial a mockery of justice.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has urged a review of the decision, characterizing the state’s actions as an attempt to silence fundamental rights advocacy. Conversely, the Balochistan government maintains that the conviction is based on solid evidence and is entirely free of political influence. The BYC, led by Baloch, continues to deny any connections to militant groups and maintains that its work focuses solely on justice for victims of enforced disappearances.
