Karachi court frees BYC deputy organiser and 11 others from charges
A Karachi court on Monday acquitted Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) deputy organizer Lala Abdul Wahab Baloch along with 11 other activists after prosecutors failed to establish sufficient evidence against them. The court’s decision was announced by Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate Naim Akhtar, who issued the order in a case registered in January 2025 under several sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including 124-A and 123-A. The verdict marks a significant development in the legal proceedings involving the activists.
The individuals who were acquitted include prominent BYC members such as Sarfaraz Baloch, Zain Baloch, Aftab Baloch, Qazi Amanullah, Murad Baloch, Waheed Baloch, Ahmed Nisar, Ehsan Hameed, Sajid Baloch, Aamir Baloch, and Ahsan Faraz Baloch. The case against them stemmed from their participation in rallies organized on January 25, 2025, when the BYC observed “Baloch Genocide Day” with demonstrations held in Karachi and several towns across Balochistan.
The rallies were part of the group’s efforts to highlight issues related to Balochistan and to mark the day as a memorial for Baloch victims. The authorities had registered cases against the activists, accusing them of activities deemed threatening under sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. However, the recent court ruling found that the evidence presented was insufficient to sustain the charges, leading to their acquittal.
In a statement, the BYC expressed relief and welcomed the court’s decision, asserting that the allegations against the activists were “unsubstantiated.” The group also described the case as politically motivated, suggesting that the legal proceedings were used as a tool to suppress their political activism. The BYC reiterated its stance that the charges were baseless and aimed at silencing their voice.
Despite the acquittal of these activists, the BYC highlighted that several other leaders, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch, remain in custody under separate cases. The group voiced concerns over their continued detention, criticizing what they termed “prolonged incarceration” and alleging that legal processes are being exploited to suppress political dissent and silence Baloch voices. The situation underscores ongoing tensions between Baloch activists and authorities in the region.
