Mehrang Baloch, a famous activist of Pakistan’s Balochistan province, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Anti-Terrorism Court of Quetta. The court convicted him in cases related to the murder of a paramilitary soldier and terrorism during a protest in July 2024. Mehrang Baloch is in custody since March 2025. After this decision, the debate regarding human rights and judicial process has intensified in Pakistan.
Sentenced on charges of murder and terrorism
Quetta’s Anti-Terrorism Court found Mehrang Baloch and his associate Sibgatullah guilty of murder and terrorism-related crimes. According to the court, during a demonstration in Gwadar in July 2024, constable Shabbir Baloch, a deployed paramilitary force, was killed. The court said that Mehrang Baloch had instigated the protesters to attack the security forces. The judgment also said that eyewitness statements and medical evidence support the prosecution’s claims.
Human rights organizations raised questions
Mehrang Baloch has been raising her voice against alleged enforced disappearances and human rights violations in Balochistan for a long time. Human rights activists have criticized this case. He says that the accused were asked to appear through video link from the jail, but they boycotted the proceedings. Critics believe that this decision may further weaken the trust between the Baloch community and the state. Baloch Yakjahti Committee organizer Lala Abdul Baloch described the trial as a “faceless trial” and said it could further escalate protests.
Government said- action is necessary against those who take law into their hands
Balochistan government has welcomed the court’s decision. Provincial Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti said that justice has been done for on-duty constable Shabbir Baloch. He said that people who spread violence and target government officials in the name of peaceful protests are actually promoting terrorism. The government says that this decision proves that action can be taken against people involved in violent activities under anti-terrorism laws. On the other hand, Mehrang Baloch’s lawyer Israr Jattak has said that this decision will be challenged in the Balochistan High Court. Baloch Yakjahti Committee has called for a strike in the entire province in protest against the decision.
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