Quetta: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Quetta has sentenced Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Dr Mahrang Baloch and three other activists to life imprisonment in connection with the killing of Frontier Corps (FC) sepoy Shabbir Ahmed during the July 2024 "Raji Muchi" gathering in Gwadar.

According to the judgment issued by the Special Judge, Anti-Terrorism Court-I, Quetta, the court found that FC sepoy Shabbir Ahmed died after sustaining fatal injuries during an attack allegedly carried out by participants of the gathering near Al-Johar School, Gwadar, on July 29, 2024.

The court convicted Dr Mahrang Baloch, Sibghatullah Shah Jee, Balach Qadir, and Abu Bakar Kulanchi. Another accused, Zahid Haider, was ordered to face a separate trial, while one accused was declared absconding.

The judgment states that members of the FC were conducting a routine security patrol when they encountered a road blockade allegedly organized under the banner of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee. According to the court record, Dr Mahrang Baloch was accused of delivering a speech that incited participants to attack FC personnel. The court further held that a group of individuals subsequently assaulted security personnel with stones and sticks, resulting in the death of Sepoy Shabbir Ahmed.

Medical evidence presented during the trial showed that the deceased suffered multiple severe injuries, including fractures to the skull and facial bones, as well as cuts and lacerations consistent with a violent assault.

The trial was conducted under heightened security arrangements, with proceedings held inside Quetta District Jail. According to the judgment, some of the accused declined to participate in parts of the proceedings despite being offered opportunities to join through video-link facilities and legal representation.

The verdict has drawn criticism from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, rights activists, and several political parties, who have questioned the fairness and transparency of the trial and called for the decision to be reviewed by higher courts.

Legal experts note that the convicted individuals retain the right to challenge the verdict before appellate courts.