ISLAMABAD: Nadia Baloch, sister of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, has approached the Supreme Court seeking to overturn a recent Balochistan High Court order that rejected a plea against Mahrang’s detention under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO).
Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a prominent leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), has been held at Hudda District Prison, Quetta since March 22, following a detention order issued by the deputy commissioner.
Her detention has been challenged previously before the Balochistan High Court, but the plea was dismissed.
The appeal now before the Supreme Court argues that the high court’s order contradicts constitutional provisions, applicable laws, and the facts of the case.
Allegations of Unlawful Detention and Political Targeting
The petition, filed through senior counsel Faisal Siddiqi, accuses the federal government, Balochistan’s interior and tribal affairs departments, and various law enforcement officials of unlawfully detaining Dr. Mahrang.
It alleges that labeling her as a militant sympathizer and repeatedly detaining her is part of a deliberate attempt to silence her advocacy for missing persons.
The petition also reveals that Mahrang’s father and brother were victims of enforced disappearances in 2011 and 2017.
Alongside the main appeal, a request has been submitted to suspend the Balochistan High Court order during the ongoing Supreme Court proceedings.
Another petition challenging the extension of the detention order is expected soon.
Legal Arguments and Context
The appeal recalls that in December 2023, Dr. Mahrang led the “Baloch Long March,” which was reportedly met with excessive force by authorities.
The petition further details a surge in state retaliation following a militant attack on a passenger train in March 2025, including abductions and unlawful detentions of BYC members and relatives.
It criticizes the Balochistan High Court for not reviewing all evidence related to the MPO order to assess its legality and reasonableness.
The Supreme Court’s 2003 precedent mandates that all material justifying detention must be presented to the court, regardless of claimed privileges.
The petition emphasizes that the deputy commissioner exceeded his authority by issuing the MPO order without the necessary approval from the chief minister.
It warns that without suspension of the high court order, the petitioner may suffer irreparable harm during the case’s duration.
