A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has sentenced prominent human rights activist Mahrang Baloch and fellow activist Sibghatullah to life imprisonment over the killing of a paramilitary soldier during a protest in July 2024.

The court in Quetta ruled that Baloch and Sibghatullah were guilty of murder and terrorism-related offenses.

According to the judgment, Baloch allegedly incited protesters to attack security personnel during a demonstration in the port city of Gwadar.

The court said eyewitness testimony and medical evidence supported the prosecution’s case.

Baloch, who has been in detention since March 2025, is known for campaigning against enforced disappearances and alleged human rights abuses in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan.

The region has experienced a long-running separatist insurgency.

Human rights groups and activists have criticized the trial, arguing that the defendants were only allowed to participate through video links from prison and later boycotted the proceedings.

Critics say the verdict could further damage trust between the state and the Baloch community.

Officials in the provincial government defended the ruling, saying it followed a fair legal process.

Sarfaraz Bugti said justice had been served for the slain soldier and warned that violent actions carried out under the cover of peaceful protests would be treated as terrorism.

Meanwhile, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee condemned the trial, describing it as unfair and politically motivated.

The group has called for a province-wide strike in protest against the court’s decision.

Baloch’s lawyer, Israr Jattak, said the verdict will be appealed before the Balochistan High Court.

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