Key facts
- Prominent activist Mahrang Baloch and associate Sibghatullah sentenced to life in prison.
- Convicted of murder and terrorism for the killing of paramilitary soldier Shabbir Ahmed.
- The incident occurred during a 2024 protest in Gwadar, Balochistan.
- Baloch and Sibghatullah deny charges; their legal team criticized the trial's fairness.
- Baloch's lawyer intends to appeal the verdict.
A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has sentenced prominent civil rights activist Mahrang Baloch and an associate, Sibghatullah, to life in prison over the killing of a paramilitary soldier during a July 2024 protest. The court found them guilty of murder and terrorism-related offenses, stating Baloch incited protesters to attack personnel. Baloch, who has been detained since March 2025, is a vocal opponent of enforced disappearances in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province.
Human rights activists and Baloch's legal team have criticized the trial, calling it unfair and lacking due process, noting the accused boycotted proceedings. Balochistan government officials, however, stated the verdict followed a fair trial and proved that violent protesters targeting state officials can be prosecuted as terrorists. Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti asserted that justice had been served for Sepoy Shabbir Ahmed, who was killed on duty.
Baloch's lawyer, Israr Jattak, announced plans to appeal the verdict in the Balochistan High Court. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), an advocacy group co-led by Baloch, has called for a province-wide strike to protest the decision, warning that further denial of justice could fuel resistance.