Former Police Surgeon Dr. Ayesha Faiz Remanded to CTD Custody for Three Days
QUETTA – The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Quetta has remanded former police surgeon Dr. Ayesha Faiz to the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) for three days of physical custody following her arrest over allegations of promoting the narratives of banned organizations .
ATC Judge Syed Ali Mubeen approved the remand request after CTD officials produced Dr. Faiz before the court . She had been detained three days earlier on charges of holding a press conference in support of banned outfits and promoting their agendas .
Multiple Cases Registered
Dr. Ayesha Faiz, who previously served as police surgeon at Civil Hospital Quetta and retired a few months ago, faces legal proceedings under the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) . A separate case has also been registered against her with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) .
According to law enforcement officials, Dr. Faiz utilized the platform of a press conference at the Quetta Press Club to voice support for elements propagating separatist propaganda and hostile narratives against the state .
Arrest Sparks Controversy
The arrest has drawn criticism from political leaders and human rights organizations. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) condemned the arrest, terming it “a continuation of the escalation of undeclared martial law” in Balochistan . Opposition leaders have also expressed concern over what they describe as suppression of freedom of expression .
Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove defended the action, stating that the matter pertained to allegations involving the state and its institutions, and that criticism of the chief minister or the home minister personally was not the reason for the arrest .
Background
Dr. Ayesha Faiz, a resident of Mastung district and daughter of well-known nationalist leader Faiz Muhammad Dehwar, had recently addressed a press conference discussing the political situation of Balochistan, its historical background, and recent developments . She also spoke about the role of women in the Baloch independence movement and criticized the Balochistan Chief Minister over remarks regarding bulldozing orchards in Mastung .
The CTD had registered a case against her three days prior to her production before the court . Further legal proceedings are expected as the investigation continues .
