QUETTA — An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan sentenced Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shah to life in prison on Monday. The conviction relates to the 2024 death of paramilitary soldier Shabbir Baloch during a rally in Gwadar.

Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shah, leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), were convicted of terrorism, sedition, and murder. Prosecutors stated the activists incited a mob that attacked a security vehicle, seized the soldier, and beat him to death with sticks and bricks. A police investigation found that both Baloch and Shah played a direct role in mobilizing the crowd during the protest, which occurred without permission from the district administration.

Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shah denied the charges. Shahid Rind, a spokesman for the provincial government in Balochistan, stated that prosecutors had "undeniable evidence." Rind added, "This was not a case concerning political opinion, peaceful dissent or the right to protest. It concerned the murder of a soldier." He also stated that Baloch and Shah have the right to appeal the verdict.

Sarfraz Bugti, the Chief Minister of Balochistan, described the verdict as a "demonstration of the rule of law and justice" for the killed soldier. Bugti posted on X that those who target state officials under the guise of peaceful protest would not escape accountability.

The trial was initially held in Gwadar before being moved to a high-security prison in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, due to security concerns. Prosecutors stated that the trial was repeatedly disrupted by demonstrations organized by supporters of the BYC outside the court. Prosecutors also stated that there were alleged attempts to intimidate witnesses. Suspects and witnesses testified via video links from Quetta.

Pakistan's government has alleged that the BYC serves as a front for the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group. The BLA has claimed responsibility for assaults on passenger trains, buses, security forces, and coal miners. Pakistan designated the BLA as a terrorist organization in 2006, and the U.S. designated it as such in 2025. The BYC has rejected the allegation that it is linked to the BLA and states it is a peaceful rights movement. Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province, borders Afghanistan and Iran and is rich in oil, gas, and mineral resources. Pakistani Taliban militants and other armed groups operate in Balochistan.