The Supreme Court on Thursday postponed the hearing of a bail petition concerning the detention of prominent Baloch human rights defender Dr Mahrang Baloch. The proceedings were adjourned after the petitioner’s lawyer, Jibran Nasir, requested a formal delay.
The case was being heard by a three-judge bench led by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar. Dr Baloch was taken into custody on March 22, 2025, under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law, which permits preventive detention of individuals deemed a threat to public order.
The detention was challenged in the Supreme Court following an appeal filed by Dr Baloch’s sister, Nadia Baloch, against a decision by the Balochistan High Court. The high court had referred the matter back to the provincial administration for reconsideration.
The petition argues that the deputy commissioner lacked the legal authority to issue the detention order, asserting that such power lies exclusively with the provincial government when MPO conditions are satisfied. It also claims that the high court erred by requiring the petitioner to exhaust administrative remedies before seeking judicial intervention, stating that this is not a mandatory step under constitutional or legal provisions.
Dr Mahrang Baloch, a well-known human rights activist, has become a central figure in debates surrounding the use of preventive detention laws in Balochistan. The petition seeks to annul both the high court’s ruling and the detention order, declaring them unlawful.
Legal experts note that this case could establish a significant precedent regarding the interpretation and application of MPO powers in the province, especially in cases involving political activism and human rights advocacy.
