SHC Rejects State Appeal Against Mahrang Baloch’s Acquittal

News Desk

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Monday dismissed an appeal from the provincial government challenging the acquittal of Mahrang Baloch, a leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), in a sedition case.

The court deemed the appeal non-maintainable, upholding the earlier ruling by a Karachi anti-terrorism court.

Mahrang Baloch was arrested on October 11, 2024, by the Quaidabad police in Malir district, facing serious charges of terrorism and sedition for allegedly inciting unrest through accusations against security institutions.

Following a thorough examination of the evidence, she was acquitted over a year later. The state, represented by acting prosecutor general Muntazir Mehdi, filed the appeal in December 2025, seeking to overturn the acquittal.

The two-judge bench of the SHC, led by Justice Shamsuddin Abbasi and Justice Miran Muhammad Shah, heard arguments from Advocate Jibran Nasir, who defended Mahrang.

The court’s decision is significant, as it reinforces the judiciary’s stance on freedom of expression and the limits of state power in prosecuting dissent.

Looking ahead, this ruling may influence future cases involving political dissent and freedom of speech in Pakistan. Legal experts suggest that the decision could embolden activists and political leaders facing similar charges.

The implications of this case will likely resonate in ongoing discussions about civil liberties and state accountability in the country.