Latif Khosa says Mahrang Baloch was accused over Jaffar Express but convicted in Gwadar case
A discussion on governance and institutional challenges in Islamabad featured an exchange between senior Supreme Court lawyer Latif Khosa and former caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar over jailed Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Dr Mahrang Baloch.
Khosa criticised the treatment of political activists, saying women had not previously faced such measures. He said Dr Mahrang Baloch had been linked to the Jaffar Express incident but was ultimately sentenced in a separate case from Gwadar.
Kakar responded that Khosa’s claims were based on hearsay. Khosa rejected this, saying, “This is not hearsay; I am Baloch.” Kakar replied, “You are Baloch, but not from Balochistan. I am not Baloch, but I am from Balochistan.”
Kakar also discussed the Jaffar Express incident, claiming several militants were killed during the operation and that their bodies were taken to Civil Hospital Quetta. He alleged that Dr Mahrang Baloch opposed security forces taking custody of the bodies.
He further claimed that videos showed Dr Mahrang Baloch receiving the bodies of slain Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) members, who were later buried wrapped in BLA flags. Kakar argued that involvement in an armed movement could extend beyond carrying weapons, comparing the relationship between Sinn Féin and the Irish Republican Army (IRA).
Kakar has made similar allegations against Dr Mahrang Baloch and the BYC before. However, no court ruling or publicly available evidence has established the allegations against her or the organisation.
The remarks come amid ongoing controversy over the arrests, convictions and legal proceedings involving BYC leaders and activists. Rights groups, legal observers and political organisations have raised concerns about the handling of the cases, while authorities say legal action is being taken in accordance with the law.
