Mahrang Baloch,leading Baloch activist, sentenced to life imprisonment in Pakistan

QUETTA: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Quetta on Monday sentenced Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) chief organiser Dr Mahrang Baloch and fellow leader Sibghatullah to life imprisonment in connection with the killing of a security official during a protest in Gwadar.

The court found both leaders guilty in a case related to the death of a security personnel member during the demonstration. Dr Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah have been in custody for the past two years and are facing several other cases involving allegations of terrorism, murder, attempted murder, incitement to violence, and rebellion.

Authorities have also accused them of disturbing public order, encouraging ethnic hatred, and causing damage to public property.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti welcomed the court's decision, stating on X that the verdict in the Shabbir Baloch murder case marked the delivery of justice after two years of legal proceedings and demonstrated the rule of law.

He paid tribute to Shabbir Baloch, saying the security official lost his life while carrying out his duties and that his sacrifice would always be remembered by the state.

According to Bugti, the ruling sends a clear message that individuals who resort to violence or take the law into their own hands will not receive any leniency. He added that those who target state personnel while claiming to engage in peaceful protest cannot avoid legal accountability.

The chief minister also expressed solidarity with the family of Shabbir Baloch, saying the provincial government shared their grief and remained committed to ensuring justice. He emphasized that the sacrifice of the slain official would not be forgotten.

Bugti further stated that the government would not tolerate violence, unrest, or lawlessness under any circumstances. He reaffirmed that operations against terrorists, their facilitators, and supporters would continue without interruption.

He concluded by saying that efforts to eliminate groups and individuals responsible for undermining peace in Balochistan would continue until the threat of terrorism is completely eradicated.