In a significant legal development in Pakistan, an anti-terrorism court has handed down life sentences to two prominent leaders of a Baloch human rights organization. The verdict comes in connection with the death of a paramilitary soldier during a 2024 rally in Gwadar, Balochistan.
Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shah, both leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), were convicted on charges of terrorism, sedition, and murder. The charges relate to the killing of Shabbir Baloch, a soldier, during a protest organized by their group. Authorities accuse the BYC of having ties with a banned militant organization.
According to the prosecution, the activists incited a crowd that attacked a security vehicle, leading to the soldier being beaten to death. The investigation revealed that the protest proceeded without official permission, and the incident drew widespread condemnation across the nation.
Both Mahrang and Shah have denied the allegations against them.
Provincial government spokesperson Shahid Rind, speaking to The Associated Press, emphasized the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, stating, “This was not a case concerning political opinion, peaceful dissent or the right to protest. It concerned the murder of a soldier.” Rind confirmed that the defendants have the option to appeal the decision.
Baluchistan’s Chief Minister, Sarfraz Bugti, praised the court’s ruling, labeling it as a “demonstration of the rule of law and justice.” He further warned that those targeting state officials under the pretense of peaceful protest would face consequences.
The trial, initially held in Gwadar, was relocated to a high-security prison in Quetta due to security concerns. Proceedings were reportedly disrupted by protests organized by BYC supporters and alleged intimidation attempts towards witnesses. As a result, testimonies were conducted via video links.
The Pakistani government has long accused the BYC of acting as a front for the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group responsible for numerous attacks in recent years. The BLA was classified as a terrorist organization by Pakistan in 2006 and by the United States in 2025.
Despite these allegations, the BYC maintains that it is solely a peaceful advocacy group.
Balochistan, bordering Afghanistan and Iran, is Pakistan’s largest province and rich in natural resources, including oil and minerals. It has been a hotbed for separatist insurgency, with groups demanding greater autonomy or independence. Despite government claims of quelling the insurgency, violence remains a persistent issue in the region.
