Baloch Yakjehti Committee Condemns Life Sentence for Gullzadi Baloch

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has condemned the life sentence handed to activist Gullzadi Baloch by Additional Sessions Judge-I Qadir Shah Bukhari in Quetta. The organization characterized the ruling in Case No. 15/22 as a predetermined verdict and part of a systemic effort by the state to silence peaceful political voices.

The BYC alleges that the judicial process lacked independence, claiming Judge Bukhari previously indicated he was under pressure to award severe sentences. The organization further cited procedural irregularities, asserting that the court violated fair-trial guarantees by cross-examining a witness on September 7 while defense representation was absent due to a lawyers' strike.

This ruling marks the third life sentence for BYC leadership in three months, following similar sentences for Dr. Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shahji. The BYC is now calling on appellate courts and constitutional authorities to review the trial proceedings and investigate the judge's conduct to restore due process.