Mahrang Baloch Sentenced to Life in Prison Over 2024 Rally Killing Case

QUETTA: Prominent Baloch rights activist Mahrang Baloch has been sentenced to life imprisonment by an anti-terrorism court in Quetta after being convicted in connection with the killing of a paramilitary soldier during a protest rally in Gwadar in 2024.

The court also sentenced fellow activist Sibghatullah to life in prison. According to the verdict, both were found guilty of murder and terrorism-related charges linked to the death of Federal Constabulary official Shabbir Ahmed, who was killed during clashes that erupted at a rally organized by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC).

Prosecutors argued that Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah played a role in inciting a crowd that allegedly attacked security personnel during the protest. Authorities claimed that a group of protesters surrounded a security vehicle, and during the unrest, soldier Shabbir Ahmed became separated from his colleagues and was beaten to death.

The anti-terrorism court stated that both activists were actively involved in the gathering and shared responsibility for the events that led to the soldier’s death. In addition to life imprisonment, the court ordered the convicts to pay a fine of 200,000 Pakistani rupees to the victim’s family.

Mahrang Baloch and her legal team strongly rejected the charges and maintained their innocence throughout the case. The activists reportedly boycotted parts of the trial, arguing that the legal process was unfair and lacked transparency. Their lawyers claimed they were denied a proper opportunity to cross-examine key witnesses and criticized the proceedings as a violation of due process.

The verdict has sparked debate across Pakistan and internationally. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) called for an immediate review of the decision, expressing concerns about fairness and the treatment of human rights activists. Several rights organizations have also questioned the legal process and urged authorities to ensure justice is carried out transparently.

International attention has also focused on the case. Climate activist Greta Thunberg criticized the proceedings and described the trial as unfair, while supporters of Mahrang Baloch have called for an independent review of the conviction.

The Balochistan government, however, defended the court’s decision and said the prosecution presented strong evidence. Officials insisted that the case was based on criminal allegations rather than political differences.

Mahrang Baloch is one of the most well-known human rights activists in Pakistan. She gained national and international recognition for campaigning against enforced disappearances and advocating for the rights of families affected by conflict in Balochistan. In 2024, she was included in the BBC’s list of influential women from around the world due to her activism.

Her advocacy began after the disappearance and later death of her father, an incident that deeply influenced her work. Over the years, she has led several campaigns and protests calling for justice, accountability, and the recovery of missing persons in Balochistan.

The latest verdict is expected to trigger further legal challenges, as her lawyers have indicated they will pursue appeals in higher courts. The case remains one of the most closely watched legal and political developments in Pakistan, drawing attention from human rights groups, political observers, and international organizations.

As the legal battle continues, the sentencing of Mahrang Baloch is likely to remain a major topic of discussion in Pakistan, raising important questions about human rights, security, and the relationship between the state and civil society in Balochistan.