Balochistan High Court (BHC) on Tuesday disposed of a petition seeking the release of BYC chief organiser Dr Mahrang Baloch, instructing the petitioner to approach the home department for her release.
The court converted the constitutional petition into a representation and referred it to the Balochistan home secretary, suggesting that the petitioner, Nadia Baloch, first present their complaints before the home department to determine the legality of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance.
The division bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Ejaz Ahmed Swati and Justice Muhammad Aamir Rana, reserved its verdict on a separate petition filed by Nadia Baloch on Thursday. This petition challenged the detention of BYC leaders and other activists who had been jailed under the MPO Ordinance.
Advocate Imran Baloch, representing the petitioner, asserted that the plea was specifically aimed at securing the release of Dr Mahrang Baloch and declaring the MPO Ordinance illegal. However, he expressed disappointment as the court directed them to obtain further details from the government by contacting the home department.
The legal proceedings follow a series of turbulent events in Balochistan, where protests and widespread unrest have been reported. On March 21, police used tear gas, water cannons, and fired blank shots to disperse BYC protesters staging a sit-in on Sariab Road near the University of Balochistan in response to allegations of enforced disappearances, including that of activist Bebarg Baloch. The ensuing clashes led to casualties on both sides, with BYC claiming three deaths and 13 injuries, while police reported around 10 personnel injured.
