QUETTA: A division bench of the Balochistan High Court (BHC) admitted for hearing another constitutional petition against the detention of the chief organiser of Baloch Yakjehti Committee, Dr Mahrang Baloch, and 96 other persons under Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance on Monday.

On the other hand, the sister of the BYC leader, Nadia Baloch, told the media that Dr Mahrang and other activists of BYC who were on hunger strike for the past few days against the relocation of detained activist Beebo Baloch to the Pishin jail from Quetta district jail and torturing of detained activists by security personnel in the jail were persuaded to end the hunger strike.

Advocate Imran Baloch explained that Ms Nadia visited the Quetta district jail on Monday and requested Dr Mahrang and others to end their hunger strike.

Meanwhile, the home department rejected the application, which was filed by the lawyers of Dr Mahrang on the BHC direction.

Dr Mahrang, others end hunger strike in jail

The division bench of the high court had earlier asked the lawyers to approach the authorities concerned to seek the release of Dr Mahrang and others before disposing of the challenge to their detention.

The new petition for the release of Dr Mahrang, Beebo Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, Sabghatullah and Bebarg Baloch and 96 workers and leaders of the BNP-M and National Party was filed in the Balochistan High Court.

The petition was moved by Advocate Sajid Tareen on behalf of Agha Hassan Baloch of the BNP-M, while another petition was filed by Ms Nadia against the detention of BYC leaders.

Advocate Imran Baloch said the bench admitted the petitions for hearing and issued notice to the Advocate General.

The court has adjourned further hearing of the petitions till Tuesday on the request of the advocate general.

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2025