Pakistan's Justice System Faces Criticism Over Fair-Trial Concerns Raised by Baloch Group

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has voiced serious concerns over the judicial proceedings involving detained Baloch activist Gulzadi Baloch, alleging that hearings have continued without her defence lawyer being present. The organisation has also claimed that the presiding judge is under pressure regarding the possible sentence in the case, according to The Balochistan Post.

The BYC said the case was taken up by the court on September 7 despite an ongoing lawyers’ strike. According to the group, Gulzadi’s lawyer was not present during the hearing, yet the court proceeded with the examination and cross-examination of a prosecution witness. The organisation argued that conducting such proceedings without legal representation raises serious questions about whether the accused is receiving a fair hearing.

The committee has further alleged that the judge had indicated on several occasions that he was facing pressure over the case and could eventually be compelled to issue a severe sentence, potentially ranging from life imprisonment to the death penalty. If the allegations are substantiated, they could intensify concerns about due process and judicial independence in a case involving a prominent Baloch rights activist. The BYC has pointed to both Pakistani constitutional protections and international human rights standards in raising its objections.

The organisation referred specifically to Article 10-A of Pakistan’s Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair trial and due process. It also cited Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which sets out key protections for defendants, including access to legal assistance and sufficient opportunity to prepare a defence.

Gulzadi Baloch, a member of the BYC and a Baloch human rights activist, was arrested in Quetta on April 7, 2025. She was initially detained under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Act. Subsequent cases, remand orders and continued legal proceedings have contributed to her prolonged detention, The Balochistan Post reported.

The case has also drawn attention to the conditions under which hearings involving detained BYC members are being conducted. In June, Gulzadi and several other detained BYC leaders reportedly staged a protest inside Huda Jail after their cases were moved to video-link hearings. The detainees called for proceedings to be conducted in open court and sought access to their lawyers and family members.

The BYC has separately criticised the Balochistan High Court over what it describes as inadequate action concerning prolonged detention and delays in bail proceedings. The allegations remain claims made by the BYC and would require independent verification. However, the controversy has renewed debate over access to legal representation, judicial independence and due-process safeguards in politically sensitive cases involving Baloch activists.

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