Acquittal raises fresh questions about misuse of charges

An anti terrorism court in Karachi on Wednesday acquitted Baloch Yakjehti Committee leader Mahrang Baloch in a sedition and public mischief case, ruling that the prosecution failed to present convincing evidence to support the charges.
Mahrang had been booked by Quaidabad police in October twenty twenty four, accused of inciting unrest by making allegations against security institutions.

According to the written order, the activist joined the proceedings through video link from Quetta Prison where she has remained incarcerated since her arrest in March.

Court says prosecution case was unsupported and weak

ATC Judge Ayaz Mustafa Jokhio ruled that the case record contained no material that could justify a conviction. Apart from the complainant, all four witnesses produced by the prosecution were police officials, none of whom provided a meaningful account of the incident they claimed had taken place.

The court noted that the investigating officer submitted the challan ten months after the FIR, but even then no private witnesses or video evidence was included to support the allegations.

Quoting from the order, the court stated
I am of the view that there is no probability of the accused being convicted of any offence. I hereby allow this application and acquit the accused Mst Mahrang Baloch d o Abdul Ghaffar.

Acquittal under section two hundred sixty five K

The verdict was issued under section two hundred sixty five K of the Code of Criminal Procedure which empowers a court to acquit an accused at any stage of trial when evidence is insufficient to proceed.
The judge reiterated that benefit of doubt must always go to the accused and the court cannot support the prosecution when material evidence is absent or unreliable.

Mahrang remains in jail despite relief

Despite the Karachi acquittal, the court clarified that Mahrang will remain incarcerated due to several other cases pending against her in different jurisdictions.
Her legal team argues that many of these cases were filed on similar allegations without substantial proof.

Defence says no rally or protest even occurred

During the hearing, the defence pointed out that the police themselves admitted that no rally or protest took place on the day of the alleged offence. The legal team said multiple FIRs had been lodged against Mahrang without evidence, which demonstrates a pattern of criminalisation rather than legitimate legal action.

Why this matters for legal transparency and civil rights

The decision raises significant questions about the use of sedition and terrorism related charges against activists in Pakistan. The court findings highlight persistent issues such as delayed investigations, absence of independent witnesses, and lack of evidence in high profile cases.
For many observers, the ruling reinforces concerns about the criminal justice system being used to pressure civil society activists. While the acquittal provides Mahrang legal relief, her continued detention in other cases means the broader struggle over due process and the right to dissent is far from over.