Mahrang Baloch: BHC Admits Appeal Against Life Sentence, SC Seeks Replies in Bail Case
The Balochistan High Court agrees to hear Dr Mahrang Baloch’s appeal on merit, while the Supreme Court issues notices in a separate post-arrest bail petition.
Dr Mahrang Baloch's legal challenge moves forward in the Balochistan High Court.
Mahrang Baloch secured a legal breakthrough on Wednesday after the Balochistan High Court (BHC) admitted her appeal against a life imprisonment sentence and issued notices to the respondents. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court sought responses in a separate post-arrest bail petition.
A division bench comprising Justice Gul Hassan Tareen and Justice Najmuddin Mengal heard the petition filed by Dr Mahrang Baloch, the chief organiser of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), challenging the life sentence imposed by an anti-terrorism court (ATC).
the court admitted the appeal for regular hearing and directed the relevant authorities to submit their replies. As a result, the case will now proceed on its merits before the high court.
Additional Advocate General Akbar Shah represented the Balochistan government, while advocates Jadain Dashti and Nadia Baloch appeared on behalf of the petitioner.
Dr Mahrang challenged the Quetta ATC verdict that sentenced her to life imprisonment in a case linked to the killing of a security personnel member. However, the conviction will remain in force unless the high court suspends or overturns it in future proceedings.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of Pakistan issued notices to the respondents in Dr Mahrang’s petition challenging the denial of post-arrest bail under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar heard a group of petitions filed by Dr Mahrang Baloch and fellow BYC leaders Beebow Baloch and Beebarg Baloch.
Justice Mazhar asked whether authorities had registered separate First Information Reports (FIRs) against the three petitioners. In response, Advocate Jibran Nasir confirmed that investigators had filed separate FIRs against each of his clients.
Nasir informed the court that two of the six prosecution witnesses had already recorded their statements in Dr Mahrang’s case. He also argued that all offences listed in the FIRs were bailable under the law.
the Supreme Court issued notices to the concerned respondents and will continue hearing the matter after receiving their replies. The parallel proceedings in the Supreme Court and the Balochistan High Court will now determine the next phase of the legal challenge.
