The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has called for an independent review of the life sentence handed to its member Gullzadi Baloch, alleging that the trial proceedings raised serious concerns over judicial independence and her right to a fair defence.
The sentence was handed down by Additional Sessions Judge-I Qadir Shah Bukhari in Case No. 15/22. Following the verdict, the BYC said appellate courts and constitutional authorities should examine both the judgment and the manner in which the proceedings were conducted.
The organisation said the conviction was the third life sentence imposed on members of its leadership in the past three months, following the convictions of Dr Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shahji.
BYC alleges judge cited pressure before verdict
According to a statement shared by the BYC on X, concerns about the proceedings had been raised before the verdict. The organisation alleged that the judge had indicated on multiple occasions that he was under pressure and might have to impose either a life sentence or the death penalty before the trial had concluded.
The BYC said such remarks raised questions about judicial independence and the principle of presumption of innocence. It said the subsequent life sentence reinforced concerns it had previously raised about the case.
The organisation had also publicly raised concerns about the proceedings earlier in September. On September 12, it alleged that the conduct of the case before the Additional Sessions Judge-I raised questions over impartiality and the right to a fair defence.
The BYC said a fair trial is protected under Article 10-A of Pakistan's Constitution and also referred to Article 14(3)(b) and (d) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Witness cross-examined without defence counsel, BYC claims
The committee also alleged that the court proceeded with the case on September 7 despite a lawyers' strike and the absence of defence counsel.
According to the BYC, a witness was cross-examined on that day without representation for the defence. The organisation argued that proceeding in those circumstances was inconsistent with fair-trial guarantees under Pakistan's Constitution and international legal standards.
The BYC had previously said that the alleged absence of defence representation, together with the judge's reported remarks about being under pressure, warranted scrutiny of the proceedings. It also questioned the conduct of the Balochistan High Court, alleging that delays in bail applications involving its leaders had contributed to prolonged detention.
The committee has rejected what it described as proceedings that compromise fundamental defence rights and called on the relevant judicial and constitutional authorities to examine the judge's conduct and ensure that pending matters are dealt with through transparent and lawful procedures.
BYC links verdict to convictions of other leaders
The organisation said Gullzadi Baloch's conviction marked the third life sentence against BYC leadership in three months. It cited the earlier life sentences imposed on Dr Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shahji and alleged that the cases reflected a broader pattern involving the organisation's leadership.
The BYC has rejected the latest verdict and called on appellate courts and constitutional authorities to independently review the sentence, examine the conduct of the trial and ensure due process.
Despite the imprisonment of its leaders, the committee said it would continue its advocacy on issues including enforced disappearances and Baloch rights.