A human rights organization has expressed worry over the prolonged imprisonment of two prominent women figures in Pakistan. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) chief organizer Mahrang Baloch and human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari-Hazir are being held, with their cases facing delays in the legal process. The organization emphasized that this situation is not just about silencing individuals but reflects a broader effort by Pakistani authorities to stifle the voices of marginalized communities.
The Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ) highlighted the concerns, noting that it has been almost a year since the arrest of Mahrang Baloch and other BYC leaders, yet there has been no verdict on their bail applications. The organization pointed out that the prolonged delay in legal proceedings goes against Article 10-A of Pakistan’s Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair and speedy trial. The BVJ stressed that justice delayed is tantamount to justice denied.
The BYC recently raised alarms about the independence of the legal process and judicial delays in bail matters concerning Mahrang Baloch and other leaders. According to the rights body, the High Court in Balochistan heard the bail applications on December 17, 2025. While the defense completed its arguments, the prosecution failed to provide substantial evidence for continued detention. Despite the court reserving its judgment, there has been no decision announced after nearly three months, contrary to the usual practice in such cases in Pakistan.
The BVJ also pointed out the delay in fixing the cases of human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chatta, by the Islamabad High Court. The organization highlighted concerns about interference by Pakistani intelligence agencies in judicial proceedings, undermining judicial independence and the country’s constitutional principles. The BVJ emphasized that the situation is not just about the individuals involved but is a critical test for the rule of law, judicial independence, and civil liberties in Pakistan.
