Dr. Mahrang Baloch is currently engaged in negotiations for her release, according to sources close to the matter. A government delegation, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Quetta, visited Mahrang at Hudda District Jail on Friday to discuss the possibility of her release under certain conditions.
Mahrang’s sister. Nadia Baloch, a law graduate from Punjab University, took to social media to share the developments, revealing that the delegation had presented Mahrang with an offer to have the charges against her under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) withdrawn, provided she met certain stipulations.
According to Nadia Baloch, the Deputy Commissioner outlined the following conditions for Mahrang’s release:
Written Statement: Mahrang must provide a written assurance that neither she nor her movement, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), will engage in activities that disrupt public order, specifically not blocking roads or highways during protests.
No Political Protests: The BYC must agree not to organize political sit-ins or demonstrations on major highways or in urban centers.
In response, Mahrang Baloch has demanded the immediate release of all BYC members who were arrested alongside her, as a condition for her own release.
The controversy surrounding Mahrang Baloch’s arrest stems from her involvement in the BYC protests, which escalated on the streets of Quetta. A FIR was lodged against Mahrang under Maintenance of Public Order (MPO).
Authorities are also investigating unidentified gunmen who were involved in the protests and are accused of killing three individuals in a targeted attack during the demonstration. Authorities are still investigating the perpetrators of these killings, with suspicions pointing to BLA terrorist, guising as protestors.
On March 26, Mahrang’s family was allowed a meeting with her after a petition challenging her arrest was filed in court. A two-member bench, consisting of Justice Rozi Khan Barech and Justice Shoukat Ali Rakhshani, accepted the petition and is currently reviewing the legality of her detention under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance.
