BHC approves family, legal visits for Mahrang Baloch in jail

• Mahrang's sister files petition challenging activist's arrest.
• Legal team argues Mahrang's arrest lacks valid justification.
• Every prisoner has right to consult with lawyers, family, says BHC.
  

QUETTA: The Balochistan High Court (BHC) has ruled that Dr Mahrang Baloch, head of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), should be permitted to meet her lawyers and family members at the district jail in Quetta.

A two-member bench, consisting of Justice Rozi Khan Barech and Justice Shoukat Ali Rakhshani, accepted a petition challenging Mahrang's arrest under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance.

The petition was filed by the activist's sister, Nadia Baloch, with assistance from advocates Habib Tahir, Imran Balcoh, Khalid Kubdani, and Mazdfallah Achakzai.

The legal team argued that Mahrang's arrest lacked valid justification and infringed upon her constitutional rights under Articles 15, 16, and 19.

In a significant decision, the court issued notices to the federal and provincial interior departments, as well as the inspector general of police. 

The BHC emphasised that every prisoner has the inherent right to consult with their legal representatives and family.

Meanwhile, protests and strikes were held in various parts of Balochistan in response to the arrest of Mahrang, Sammi Deen Mohammad, and other BYC activists, as well as the ongoing crackdown against the BYC leadership. 

Demonstrations and rallies were held in Kalat, Khuzdar, Gwadar, Panjgur, Dalbandin, Usta Mohammad, Nushki, Mastung, and other areas on Tuesday.

Following a central call from the Balochistan National Party (BNP), a complete shutter down strike was also observed in Dalbandin to protest the arrests of BYC’s central leaders. 

Similar shutter down strikes were observed in various areas of Chagai, while Dalbandin police and local administration worked to maintain law and order.

The BNP also held a protest in Kalat, where a complete shutter down strike was observed. All commercial and business centers in the city remained closed. BNP leaders announced that a protest demonstration would be held in front of the Quetta Press Club today.

A rally was organised by the BYC in Usta Mohammad, demanding the release of Mahrang and others. The rally took place in front of the National Bank, where a sit-in was staged. 

During the sit-in, speakers condemned the arrests of Mahrang and others, demanding that the missing Baloch people be brought to light and presented in court.

A protest rally was organised by Haq Do Tehreek in Gwadar, which was participated by a large number of men, women, and children, who were carrying placards inscribed with various slogans and demands.