Sammi Deen Baloch, a leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), was arrested under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Act has been released.
Confirming the release, her sister, Mehlab Baloch, expressed relief, stating, “My sister, Sammi Deen, has finally been released.” She expressed her gratitude to Advocate Jibran Nasir, human rights activists, civil society members, and everyone who stood by their side, raised their voices, and fought for justice.
Sammi Deen’s lawyer, Advocate Jibran Nasir, also confirmed that the Sindh government had removed her name from the MPO list, leading to her release. He emphasized that public and media pressure played a crucial role in securing her freedom. However, he pointed out that MPO is still enforced against other BYC members, including Lala Wahab, Shehdad, Razik, and Sultan (a minor). He called for the complete revocation of MPO against all BYC members, asserting their fundamental and democratic right to peaceful protest.
In another development, BYC leader Lala Wahab Baloch has also been released and has safely returned home. His family has confirmed his return.
It is important to note that a significant number of BYC leaders and members continue to face arrests and enforced disappearances in both Karachi and Balochistan. Key BYC figures such as Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Bebarg Baloch, and Shah Ji Sibghatullah remain in custody, while protests against these arrests and reports of police violence on demonstrators have been ongoing across Balochistan for the past ten days.
Advocate Jibran Nasir described Sammi Deen’s release as a step in the right direction but reiterated the demand for the immediate release of all detained BYC members, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch and others held by the Balochistan government.