On July 18, 2025, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Quetta extended the physical remand of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, the chief of the Balochistan Youth Front (BYC), along with other organisers, by 15 days in police custody.
The court’s decision follows their charges under Sections 7 and 11-W of the Anti-Terrorism Act, as well as 16 sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. The charges include terrorism, murder, attempted murder, incitement to violence, rebellion, creating disorder, promoting racial hatred, and causing property damage.
Mahrang Baloch, along with 17 others, remains detained at Quetta District Jail under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance. The FIR at Saryab Police Station accuses them of aiding rioters in attacks on police, passersby, and protesters, resulting in three deaths and 15 injured officers.
🚨🚨#BREAKING: Anti terrorism court of #Quetta granted another 15 days physical remand of Dr @MahrangBaloch_ and @BalochYakjehtiC leaders Sibghtullah Shah ji, Beebow Baloch and Beebarg Baloch to CTD. pic.twitter.com/qznQnRTyym
— Asad Ali Toor (@AsadAToor) July 18, 2025The case also involves allegations of storming the Civil Hospital to seize bodies of attackers from the Jaffer Express train bombing, as per an FIR at Civil Lines Police Station in Quetta from March 2025.
During the hearing before ATC Judge Muhammad Ali Mubeen, police requested the extension. The court granted it for Mahrang, Gulzadi, Beebow Baloch, Sibghatullah Shahji, Ghaffar Baloch, and Beberg Baloch. They will stay in custody until early August 2025.
This follows a 10-day remand extension on July 8, 2025, after their initial three-month detention.
In March 2025, more than 100 civil society members urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to release the detained leaders of the BYC. Their joint letter condemned the arrests as attempts to suppress voices advocating against enforced disappearances and for the fundamental rights of Balochistan.
