QUETTA: An anti-terrorism court on Friday extended the re­­mand of Baloch Yakjehti Com­mittee (BYC) leader Dr Mahrang Baloch along with five others in police custody for another 15 days.

Amid tight security, police produced Ms Baloch, Sibghatullah Shah Jee, Beebu Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, Bebarg Baloch and Nati­o­nal Party leader Ghaffar Baloch before Judge Muhammad Ali Mubeen of the ATC Quetta-I after the expiry of their 10-day remand.

Police sought more time for inv­e­­stigation, explaining that the acc­used were also booked in three FIRs registered in the Civil Lines and Brewery police stations. An investigating officer requested the court to grant at least 15-day remand.

However, Ms Baloch’s lawyer, Israr Jattak, opposed the request, arguing that the Anti-Terrorism Act does not have any provision for a physical remand longer than 14 days, unless police gave a proper justification and explain the progress in their investigation.

Mr Jattak said when police had failed to explain and prove any progress in the investigation over the past 10 days, what could they dig out over next 15 days. “All allegations against my clients are baseless and fake,” he added.

However, after hearing initial arguments from both sides, the ATC extended the remand in pol­ice custody for another 15 days.

A large number of BYC leaders and workers were present outside of the ATC.

After the proceedings, Ms Baloch and others were taken back to the police stations amid tight security.

The BYC leader and other activists were arrested on March 22 and detained in Quetta for three mon­ths under Section 3 of the Main­­tenance of Public Order.

Published in Dawn, July 19th, 2025