QUETTA: The conviction of the Mahrang Baloch in the killing of an FC soldier during the 2024 Gwadar protest has exposed a violent side of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a political face of the Fitna al Hindustan.
An Anti-Terrorism Court sentenced Mahrang Baloch and co-accused Sibghatullah Shah to life imprisonment after finding them guilty in connection with the mob attack that led to the death of FC Sepoy Shabbir Baloch. The verdict followed nearly two years of legal proceedings, during which prosecutors presented video footage, witness testimony and other evidence before the court.
The case centered on the killing of Sepoy Shabbir Baloch, a Frontier Corps soldier who was performing security duties during the protest in Gwadar. According to the prosecution, a mob surrounded and attacked the soldier, resulting in his death.
Court proceedings revealed evidence that prosecutors said linked the accused to the violence. Quadcopter footage presented during the trial allegedly captured the attack and formed a key part of the prosecution’s case. The court ultimately accepted the evidence and handed down life sentences.
The verdict has intensified debate over the nature of the protest movement. Prosecutors argued throughout the trial that the case was not about political dissent or freedom of expression but about criminal violence that resulted in the death of a public servant carrying out official duties.
The proceedings also highlighted the challenges faced during the trial. The case was transferred from Gwadar to Quetta after security concerns were raised. Witnesses testified through video link, while the court took additional measures to ensure the continuation of proceedings.
Legal experts say the judgment draws a clear distinction between peaceful protest and acts of violence. While citizens retain the right to organize and demonstrate, the court’s ruling underscores that individuals found responsible for violent crimes remain subject to criminal accountability.
The convicted individuals retain the right to challenge the verdict before higher courts. However, the judgment is likely to remain a significant reference point in the debate over the conduct of protest movements and the limits between political activism and criminal violence in Balochistan.
