An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Quetta sentenced Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) chief organiser Dr Mahrang Baloch and fellow BYC leader Sibghatullah to life imprisonment in connection with the death of a security official during a protest in Gwadar.

According to the report, the court found both leaders guilty in the case involving the killing of security personnel Shabbir Baloch while he was performing official duties.

The two activists had been in custody for around two years and were facing several charges, including terrorism, murder, attempted murder, incitement to violence, rebellion, creating public disorder, promoting racial hatred, and damaging property.

Following the verdict, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti welcomed the court's decision and described it as the delivery of justice after a lengthy legal process.

He stated that the ruling demonstrated the supremacy of law and affirmed that the state would remember the sacrifice of the deceased security official.

Bugti further said that individuals involved in violence or attacks on state officials could not avoid legal accountability, regardless of whether their actions were presented as peaceful protest.He expressed solidarity with the family of Shabbir Baloch and said the provincial government shared their grief.

The chief minister also reiterated the government's commitment to continuing operations against terrorists, their facilitators, and supporters, adding that violence, unrest, and lawlessness would not be tolerated in Balochistan.

The case is considered a significant legal development involving the BYC leadership and security-related incidents linked to protests in the province.