Karachi: Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Sami Deen Baloch has been re-arrested by the police under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Act due to concerns over public safety. She has been detained for 30 days, as per the Sindh government's order.
According to the official statement, five individuals, including Sami Baloch, were arrested for allegedly inciting public unrest. On Tuesday morning, they were presented before a judicial magistrate at Karachi’s Central Jail.
A day earlier, the BYC and Karachi’s civil society members had called for a protest outside the press club against the detention of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Bibarg Baloch, and other activists. During the demonstration, Sami Baloch and several protesters were arrested.
During Tuesday’s court hearing, lawyers, including Jibran Nasir, argued that the arrests were unlawful and that Section 144 had been wrongly imposed in the city. The court, after hearing the arguments, ordered the release of Sami Deen, Muhammad Wahab Baloch, and three other detainees.
However, as soon as Sami Baloch was released, the police re-arrested her under the MPO Act. Lawyers resisted her arrest, leading to a confrontation with the police. The court demanded the MPO order, which the police presented, stating that they were acting within legal bounds.
The MPO Act allows authorities to detain individuals deemed a threat to public order.
Sami Deen’s younger sister, Mehlab Baloch, held a press conference demanding her unconditional release. She condemned the violence against Baloch women and called for accountability for officials involved in these actions. She warned that if state oppression continued, the BYC would escalate its protests.
Meanwhile, the Balochistan National Party (Mengal) (BNP-M) expressed support for the BYC protests and called for a strike in Gwadar and other coastal cities. Businesses, banks, shops, and petrol pumps remained shut in protest against the arrests of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Bibo Baloch, and Sami Deen Baloch.
BNP-M President Sardar Akhtar Mengal announced a long march on March 28 against the crackdown on Baloch activists. In a post on social media platform X, he stated,
"I announce a long march from Wadh to Quetta against the arrest of our daughters and the disrespect of our mothers and sisters. I will personally lead this march and invite all Baloch men, women, and elders to join."
He further declared, "This is not just about the arrest of our daughters. It is about our national dignity, honor, and existence. We will not remain silent until our mothers, sisters, and daughters are safe."
The BYC welcomed BNP-M’s long march announcement, calling it a commendable step and pledging support for the cause.
