An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Quetta has sent Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) chief Dr Mahrang Baloch and other organisers of the group into police custody for 15 days.

The move once again extended their detention.

In March, Mahrang and other BYC members were arrested for “attacking” the Quetta Civil Hospital and “inciting people to violence”, a day after the group faced a police crackdown while protesting against alleged enforced disappearances, reports Dawn News.

Mahrang, the prominent activist, has been held at the Hudda District Prison in Quetta under Section 3 of the Mainte­nance of Public Order (MPO).

The law empowers the authorities in the country to arrest and detain individuals suspected of posing a threat to public order.

Advocate Shoaib Baloch told Dawn.com that Dr Mahrang’s lawyers opposed the 15-day physical remand and told the court to ask the investigation team what was achieved in the previous 10-day remand.

“No response was given by the investigation team, and zero progress was made,” the counsel said. “Despite this, the court ordered a 15-day remand.”

Security was heightened in the court premises for the activist's appearance in the court.

In Islamabad, BYC members are on a sit-in protest for three consecutive days, demanding the release of the activists from prison.