The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has expressed strong disapproval of the life sentence given to its member, Gullzadi Baloch. In a statement shared on X, the organization has demanded an independent review of both the verdict and the trial proceedings surrounding Baloch’s case.
15/22. The BYC claimed that on September 7, the court proceeded with the hearing despite a lawyers’ strike and the absence of defence counsel.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, the BYC said that Additional Sessions Judge-I Qadir Shah Bukhari handed down the sentence in Case No. A witness was cross-examined without defence representation, a move it said was inconsistent with fair-trial guarantees under Pakistan’s Constitution and international legal standards, according to the organisation’s post on X. Rejecting the verdict, the BYC called on appellate courts and constitutional authorities to review the life sentence, examine the conduct of the proceedings, and ensure due process, according to a post shared by the organisation on X. The BYC also said it would continue its advocacy on issues including enforced disappearances and Baloch rights, the post said.
The committee also alleged procedural irregularities during the trial. The BYC further stated in its post on X that Gullzadi Baloch’s conviction was the third life sentence handed down to members of its leadership in the past three months.
The organisation alleged that concerns had been raised earlier regarding the conduct of the proceedings and claimed that the judge had indicated he was under pressure and might be required to award a life sentence or death penalty before the conclusion of the trial.
