Hani

Paank expresses grave concern over the deteriorating health and unlawful detention of Bebarg Baloch, a paralyzed human rights defender and prominent member of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). He has been hospitalized for urgent surgery after suffering severe medical complications resulting from neglect in detention. Paank calls for his immediate release, urgent medical care, and independent investigation into the circumstances of his arrest and treatment. Bebarg Baloch was paralyzed in 2010 after being critically injured in a hand grenade attack carried out by Pakistani security forces during a Baloch cultural festival. Despite his permanent disability, he continued peaceful activism for the rights of the Baloch people through the BYC. He was arrested on 20 March 2025 in Quetta by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), along with his brother Hammal Zehri. Their detention, carried out without proper warrant or charges, constitutes an enforced disappearance under international law. Bebarg was later produced before a court and placed in custody, but his detention remains arbitrary and unlawful. Due to paralysis, Bebarg Baloch is unable to urinate naturally and must perform intermittent urinary catheterization, a medical procedure in which a sterile tube is inserted into the bladder to drain urine. Prolonged and repeated catheterization without sterile conditions can cause severe trauma to the urethra, urinary retention, and life-threatening infections such as urosepsis. Reports indicate that he has already undergone two emergency surgeries in the past following urinary blockage. Despite this history, while in detention, Bebarg was denied access to qualified urological care for weeks, resulting in another serious obstruction. After continuous appeals from colleagues and civil society, he was finally hospitalized four days ago, where he is now undergoing surgery. This denial of essential medical care to a disabled detainee amounts to cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment under international human rights law. Under Section 169 of the Pakistan Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), detainees whose trials are unduly delayed or unsupported by evidence may be released on bail or bond. Given Bebarg’s medical condition and lack of legitimate charges, his continued detention is unlawful. Furthermore, under Articles 9 and 14 of Pakistan’s Constitution and Articles 6 and 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Pakistan is a State Party, the authorities have a legal duty to protect life and prevent torture and ill-treatment, including denial of medical care. Paank urges the Government of Pakistan, the provincial administration of Balochistan, and all relevant authorities to: 1. Immediately release Bebarg Baloch on humanitarian and legal grounds, in accordance with Section 169 of the CrPC. 2. Guarantee continuous and independent medical supervision by qualified urologists and ensure access to sterile equipment, medication, and post-operative care. 3. Allow family, legal counsel, and independent observers full access to monitor his condition. 4. Conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances of his arrest, denial of medical care, and any acts of torture or ill-treatment. 5. End the pattern of arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances targeting Baloch human rights activists. Bebarg Baloch’s case symbolizes the broader pattern of repression, enforced disappearances, and medical neglect faced by Baloch political and human rights activists. Denying essential healthcare to a paralyzed detainee is a flagrant violation of international human rights norms and Pakistan’s own constitutional guarantees. Paank calls upon the United Nations, Amnesty International, and the international human rights community to urgently intervene and press Pakistan to uphold its obligations.