According to reports, detained leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) inside Huda Jail in Quetta have faced severe torture by security forces. Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Bebarg Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, and Beebow Baloch are among those reportedly subjected to physical abuse at the hands of Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel, who allegedly entered the prison and carried out the assaults in the presence of jail authorities.
According to the families of the detained activists, prison officials initially denied them visitation rights. Later, it was confirmed that Beebow Baloch had been taken from Huda Jail by CTD personnel and was missing for several hours before being transferred to Pishin Jail. Her relatives report that she has been subjected to brutal torture and is currently on a hunger strike. In a video statement issued by her brother, he revealed that during their attempt to visit her, female police officers threatened to arrest their cousin and aunt.
After being permitted to meet Beebow in Pishin Jail following a three-hour wait, her family was informed of the torture she endured. Beebow also confirmed that Dr. Mahrang and Gulzadi Baloch had been similarly abused.bebo
The BYC has strongly condemned the actions, stating that the state is attempting to suppress their movement through inhumane and illegal tactics. However, they affirmed that such measures will not deter their struggle for rights. When family members were finally allowed to meet Gulzadi Baloch, they observed visible signs of physical torture. Gulzadi corroborated the abuse suffered by her fellow detainees.
In response, human rights organisations and legal bodies across Balochistan have voiced strong condemnation. The Kech Bar Association announced a boycott of court proceedings in protest. Additionally, the Makran High Court Bar Association, along with the Kech, Gwadar, and Panjgur Bar Associations, issued a joint statement condemning the violence. They labelled Beebow Baloch’s abduction by CTD personnel from within the prison as illegal and a blatant violation of human rights. Legal bodies across Makran observed a complete boycott of court proceedings on 24 April and warned authorities against further illegal actions against Baloch women, threatening escalation if their demands are not heeded.
Beebow Baloch and other BYC leaders have been detained under the 3MPO (Maintenance of Public Order) for over a month, and their bail applications have been denied by the Balochistan High Court. Along with Dr. Mahrang, Gulzadi, and Bebarg Baloch, Shahji Sibghatullah and other activists also remain in police custody.
Meanwhile, political response has reportedly intensified. The Balochistan National Party (BNP-Mengal) held a massive public rally on 23 April at the Mir Ghaus Bakhsh Bizenjo Stadium in Khuzdar. The event marked a continuation of BNP’s protest movement against the “state crackdown” on BYC leaders and the arbitrary detention of Baloch women activists.
BNP chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal, speaking at the rally, strongly criticised, calling it the state’s repressive actions in Balochistan. “They expect us to uphold dignity and honour in exchange for votes, yet deny us the right to speak for our missing children,” he said. Mengal, who recently resigned from the assembly, declared his resignation was made without seeking counsel from national-level political forces, asserting his decision was rooted in the will of his Baloch constituents.
He further condemned the excessive state force used to block peaceful protests and marches: “This is perhaps the first time in history that a government has barricaded roads against its own citizens.” Mengal warned that the repression has extended even into mosques, where religious leaders face threats for praying for the disappeared.
Mengal affirmed that the BNP’s peaceful resistance will continue until all detained Baloch women are released. He announced a major rally to be held in Quetta on 2 May, where the party will outline its next course of action.
The BNP leaders stressed that the Khuzdar rally serves as a powerful message against ongoing state repression, human rights violations, and political instability in Balochistan. They reiterated their commitment to constitutional and peaceful struggle across all platforms to secure justice and dignity for the Baloch people.
