Baloch activist's persecution demonstrates Pakistan’s 'Hard State' doctrine evolving into model of governance: Report

IANS | July 5, 2026 7:35 PM

Islamabad, July 5 (IANS) An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan's Quetta sentenced Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch to life imprisonment, sparking criticism from international human rights organisations and reigniting concerns over the trajectory of the rule of law in the country. However, the case has demonstrated how Pakistan's "Hard State" doctrine is evolving from a counterterrorism strategy into a broader model of governance, a report has detailed.