QUETTA – A major development emerged in Balochistan as an anti-terrorism court reportedly sentenced Mahrang Baloch to life imprisonment in connection with killing of an FC soldier during the 2024 Gwadar protest.
The verdict, delivered after nearly two years of legal proceedings, is being viewed by authorities as a significant step in ongoing efforts to address violence and security challenges in the province.
Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Quetta sentenced Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Mahrang Baloch and co-accused Sibghatullah Shah to life imprisonment in connection with the killing of Frontier Corps (FC) soldier Shabbir Baloch during the 2024 Raji Muchi protest in Gwadar.
🔴⚖️ Justice for Sepoy Shabbir Baloch: Terror Apologia Crushed in Court
‼️The Anti-Terrorism Court has delivered a landmark verdict in the murder case of Sepoy Shabbir Baloch, exposing how propaganda dressed as “activism” turned into brutal terrorism.
‼️On 29 July 2024, during… pic.twitter.com/bToSyHVVrT
— Conflict Watch (@ConflictWatchX) June 22, 2026
The case centered on an incident in which FC personnel came under attack during unrest that erupted amid the protest. Prosecutors argued that the accused played a leading role in events that resulted in the death of the soldier. The court’s verdict follows nearly two years of legal proceedings, during which investigators presented evidence linking the accused to the incident.
Baloch, who was arrested in March 2025, has already spent approximately 15 months in custody. Officials said the detailed judgment, including the legal provisions underpinning the sentence, will be made public following the release of the court’s written order.
Authorities described the ruling as part of a broader campaign to strengthen the rule of law and counter violent activities in the province. The verdict is being viewed as one of the most consequential judicial decisions in recent years involving figures associated with Balochistan’s protest movements.
In a separate case, Anti-Terrorism Court in Turbat sentenced Sajid Ahmed to a combined 21 years in prison on terrorism and arms-related charges. Prosecutors alleged that Ahmed maintained links with banned militant organizations and was arrested during an intelligence-based operation in Panjgur while in possession of automatic weapons and explosives. Investigators further claimed that he was involved in preparations for a planned suicide attack that was foiled before execution.
During the trial, authorities also alleged that Ahmed participated in recruitment and facilitation activities aimed at drawing students into militant networks and maintained contacts with handlers operating from abroad.
The court imposed 14 years of rigorous imprisonment under anti-terrorism provisions and an additional seven years under the Balochistan Arms Act for illegal possession and trafficking of weapons.
The court stressed that individuals involved in terrorism or its facilitation could not be treated with leniency, underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to addressing security threats through the legal process.
The twin verdicts come at a time when security operations and counterterrorism efforts remain a central focus in Balochistan, a province that has faced persistent challenges from insurgent violence, targeted attacks, and militant activity. Officials say the rulings reflect a coordinated approach by law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to hold those accused of serious security-related offenses accountable through due process.
