ISLAMABAD; The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has vowed to continue its sit-in in Islamabad, which entered its 40th day on Sunday, declaring that their protest will remain peaceful despite mounting challenges. The sit-in began on July 16, as the group demanded the release of its detained leaders and activists, along with the recovery of all individuals subjected to enforced disappearances in Balochistan.
The movement’s leader, Dr. Mahrang Baloch, along with activists Beebarg Baloch, Shaji Baloch, and Gulzadi Baloch, were arrested on March 22 following allegations of involvement in an attack on Quetta Civil Hospital and incitement of violence.
The BYC insists the charges are fabricated, aimed at silencing what it calls the genuine political voice of the Baloch people. According to its press release, the organization stressed that the arrested activists are “peaceful political prisoners” being deliberately branded as terrorists.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, BYC representatives reiterated their determination to continue the demonstration. “This is not only the struggle of the Baloch people, but a fight for justice, human dignity, and truth,” the statement read. The group also criticized the media for misrepresenting its demands and expressed frustration with the courts, accusing them of perpetuating oppression by repeatedly extending remand periods.
On Friday, BYC leaders were discharged in certain cases after 45 days of custody. However, authorities immediately filed five new FIRs against them, resulting in a fresh 15-day remand. The group decried this as a systematic attempt to suppress dissent. “No matter how long the oppression lasts, it will not last forever,” the BYC declared, calling on civil society, human rights groups, and the international community to stand in solidarity with them.
The BYC has been an active advocacy platform since 2018, particularly vocal against enforced disappearances. Its protest has gained visibility as state institutions face growing criticism over their handling of the issue.
A day before the latest remand, Supreme Court Justice Athar Minallah underscored the judiciary’s helplessness in such cases, citing a lack of cooperation from state institutions. He recalled how, during his tenure as chief justice of the Islamabad High Court, students from Balochistan frequently approached the court over disappearances, yet legal and jurisdictional hurdles made remedies nearly impossible.
Earlier this year, former PPP senator and human rights defender Farhatullah Babar had cautioned against labelling Dr. Mahrang or BYC activists as terrorists without evidence, warning that such narratives were not only unjust but also dangerous.
