Police in Quetta have charged Dr. Mahrang Baloch, leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), and 150 others for attacking the Civil Hospital morgue and inciting violence.
The case relates to an alleged incident where human rights activists stormed the morgue and took the bodies of five militants killed in an operation against train hijackers.
Read more: Dr. Mahrang Baloch Recognized as One of Time’s Most Influential People of 2024
The FIR includes charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), including terrorism, murder, attempted murder, incitement to violence, public disorder, and racial hatred.
Following the incident, Mahrang Baloch and 17 others were detained over the weekend under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance. Police claim BYC leaders encouraged rioters to fire at officers, passersby, and even fellow protesters, resulting in three deaths and injuries to 15 policemen.
A separate FIR at Civil Lines Police Station accuses 100 to 150 BYC supporters of storming the morgue, taking the bodies, and attacking an ambulance driver.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed Baloch’s arrest, but reports confirm she is being held at Quetta District Jail under MPO provisions.
Meanwhile, protests and shutter-down strikes continue across Balochistan, with unrest reported in Kalat, Kharan, Chaghi, Turbat, Mastung, Dalbandin, Dhadar, and Panjgur. The situation remains tense as pressure mounts on authorities to restore order and hold those responsible accountable.
