KARACHI: Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Sammi Deen Baloch was released on Tuesday after being discharged from the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance. Her detention followed her participation in protests against rights violations.
Sammi and five others were initially arrested on March 24 for allegedly violating a newly imposed Section 144. Although a judicial magistrate ordered their release the next day, Sammi was detained again under the MPO for 30 days.
Her detention sparked widespread condemnation from UN experts, Amnesty International, civil society leaders, and human rights activists, who demanded her release along with other detained Baloch rights activists, including BYC organizer Dr. Mahrang Baloch.
On Tuesday, the Sindh Home Department issued an order withdrawing Sammi’s name from the MPO detention list and directed the Karachi Central Prison’s senior superintendent to release her unless she was required in another case.
Confirming her release, Sammi’s sister, Mehlab Deen Baloch, expressed her gratitude in a post on X, thanking Advocate Jibran Nasir and all those who supported their fight for justice.
Nasir stated that Sammi had reunited with her family and emphasized that public and media pressure played a crucial role in securing her release.
“We demand the complete withdrawal of MPO orders against all BYC members, who have a fundamental democratic right to peaceful protest,” he added. “Sammi’s release is a step in the right direction, but we also call for the immediate release of Mahrang Baloch and all detained BYC activists.”
