In a significant development, an FIR was registered at Saryab Police Station on March 22, naming Dr Mahrang Baloch and approximately 150 members of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). The charges include terrorism, rebellion, murder, attempted murder, and violations under Sections 7 and 11W of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), along with 16 sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
According to the FIR, the accused allegedly assisted rioters in opening fire on police officers, civilians, and protesters, resulting in three deaths and injuries to 15 police personnel.
The FIR also describes a major incident where a mob stormed the Civil Hospital Quetta morgue and forcibly took away the bodies of individuals linked to the Jaffer Express train attack. The group allegedly intercepted a private ambulance at Hockey Chowk, beat the driver, and loaded the bodies into the vehicle.
A separate FIR was filed at Brewery Police Station, accusing several BYC leaders of blocking the Western Bypass Road, chanting anti-state slogans, and inciting public disorder.
Dr Mahrang Baloch, along with 17 others, was arrested in police raids and is currently held at Quetta District Jail under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance. While police have not formally confirmed her arrest, sources report that she is not detained at Civil Lines Police Station, as initially speculated.
The wave of arrests has triggered widespread shutter-down strikes across Balochistan, with highways blocked and protests erupting in solidarity with the arrested BYC leaders.
The events follow a broader series of unrest tied to the Jaffer Express incident earlier in March. While BYC alleges state repression, authorities claim the group is responsible for escalating violence and chaos in the province.
Tensions continue to rise, as both sides hold each other responsible for worsening the security and political crisis in Balochistan.
