@ptm.uk.official: The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement United Kingdom Condemns the Sentencing of Dr. Mahrang Baloch and Denounces the Deepening Crisis of Justice in a Colonial State Pakistan The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement United Kingdom (PTM UK) strongly condemns the sentencing of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Baloch Qadir, Sibghatullah Shah Ji, and Abubakar Kalanchi. We regard this decision as a deeply troubling development that raises serious questions about the independence of the justice system and the shrinking space for peaceful political dissent in Pakistan. Dr. Mahrang Baloch has been known as a peaceful advocate against enforced disappearances, human rights violations, and the denial of fundamental freedoms in Balochistan. Her activism has been carried out through public advocacy, peaceful demonstrations, and constitutional demands. The punishment of individuals associated with peaceful activism sends a disturbing message to all those seeking justice through nonviolent means. PTM UK believes that Pakistan’s justice system has increasingly lost public confidence among many communities that have experienced political repression, enforced disappearances, and collective punishment. When activists, students, journalists, and human rights defenders face prosecution while powerful institutions appear beyond accountability, many people understandably question whether justice is being applied equally. We are particularly concerned by longstanding allegations and perceptions regarding the influence of powerful state institutions over political and judicial processes. An independent judiciary is essential for democracy, and any perception that judicial decisions are shaped by political or institutional pressure undermines trust in the rule of law. These concerns have been raised repeatedly by civil society actors, lawyers, journalists, and democratic activists across Pakistan. The sentencing of Dr. Mahrang Baloch and her colleagues will be viewed by many not as an act of justice, but as an attempt to suppress dissenting voices from Balochistan and discourage those who peacefully demand accountability and human rights. PTM UK stands in unwavering solidarity with the people of Balochistan and with all oppressed nations and communities who seek their rights through peaceful and democratic means. We reject the criminalisation of political activism and human rights advocacy. We call upon democratic forces, human rights organisations, legal bodies, and the international community to closely monitor these developments and to speak out in defense of civil liberties, judicial independence, and the rights of political activists. No prison sentence can extinguish the demand for justice. No act of repression can erase the suffering of families searching for their loved ones. No attempt to silence one voice can silence an entire people. PTM UK will continue to stand with all those struggling peacefully for human dignity, accountability, freedom, and justice. Justice, Dignity, and Resistance Against Oppression Pashtun Tahafuz Movement United Kingdom (PTM UK) #ReleaseMaharangBaloch #BYC #Baloch #ptm #ManzoorPashteen