In a dramatic turn of events, the Sindh government has revoked the detention order of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Sammi Deen Baloch under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) with immediate effect.
The Home Department's fresh directive has instructed jail authorities to release Sammi—if she is not required in any other case. This decision follows mounting pressure after her controversial arrest during a protest in Karachi against the crackdown on BYC leadership in Balochistan.
Sammi was detained following a massive demonstration condemning the arrests of Dr. Mahrang Baloch and 16 other activists from their Quetta protest camp. The arrests came after protesters accused security forces of brutally killing three demonstrators during an anti-riot operation.
Officials had earlier alleged that Sammi, Abdul Wahab Baloch, Raza Ali, and others were leading road blockades and sit-ins, posing a threat to public order. The Home Department defended the detentions, citing potential risks to peace and stability.
However, the move sparked outrage, with activists calling it an attempt to silence dissent. On March 26, Sammi challenged her 30-day detention in the Sindh High Court (SHC), amplifying calls for her release.
With today's reversal, pressure now mounts on authorities to ensure the release of other detained activists as the movement for Baloch rights gains momentum.
