KARACHI: Baloch Yakjehti Committee leader Dr Mahrang Baloch has questioned the need of bringing a constitutional package and asked parliamentarians to clarify as to whether the existing laws were being enforced in the country while they were introducing new amendments to the Constitution.

Speaking about proposed constitutional amendments at a programme organised by the Karachi Bar Association (KBA) at City Courts on Wednesday, she claimed that the Constitution was not being applied in Balochistan because if it had been, no one would be held in illegal detention.

“Today, Balochistan suffers due to enforced disappearances and the proposed amendments aim to give powers to those who can pick up anyone,” she said, adding that the “movements” in Balochistan had compelled “those people” to feel the need for amendments to the Constitution.

Power failure forces Dr Mahrang to speak to Karachi Bar members under light from mobile phones

Highlighting the state of society, the Baloch rights activist said: “In our society, the truth-teller stands alone, while liars enjoy all the privileges. Yet, those who speak the truth are still triumphant in this society.”

She said that various groups in the country, including lawyers, journalists, and politicians, were troubled by “restrictions on freedom of speech”.

“The restrictions on free expression have reached a point where anyone who speaks up for their rights is declared a terrorist,” she added.

She also questioned the existing legal system, saying “who says there is no law in this country? This is the law of the jungle”.

Earlier, when she arrived at the City Courts to address lawyers on the invitation of the KBA, there was an “unexpected” power outage, which led Dr Mahrang to deliver her speech under the torchlight of mobile phones.

“This electricity shutdown proves the pain felt by these institutions,” she said, as lawyers chanted slogans against the government and the K-Electric.

“They say our activism doesn’t bother them, but today we are witnessing the superpower suppressing our voices through electricity outages,” she claimed.

At the event, KBA president Aamir Nawaz Warraich, general secretary Ikhtiar Ali Channa and other elected members of the bar were also present.

Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2024