Sammi Deen Baloch, a leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), was released from Karachi Central Prison during Eidul Fitr after being detained under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance.
Her name was removed from the case by the Sindh Home Department, which also cleared her of charges linked to protests held in late March. According to local media reports, the Sindh Home Department issued a formal directive instructing the senior superintendent of Karachi Central Prison to release Sammi, bringing an end to a detention that had drawn widespread criticism from human rights organizations and activists.
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Sammi’s release was confirmed by her sister, Mehlab Deen, who expressed gratitude on social media platform X, thanking lawyer Jibran Nasir and all those who supported them throughout the ordeal.
Initially arrested on March 24 for violating Section 144, which had been imposed ahead of a planned protest, Sammi was ordered to be released by a judicial magistrate. However, she was re-arrested under the MPO Ordinance for an additional 30 days, sparking outrage and condemnation.
The crackdown on BYC leaders, including Sammi’s arrest, triggered strong reactions from international organizations such as the United Nations and Amnesty International, as well as from civil society activists who condemned the suppression of protestors.
The protest, which was disrupted by authorities, had been organized to demand the release of BYC organizer Dr. Mahrung Baloch. Calls for Dr. Baloch’s freedom continue to gain momentum among civil society groups.
