The situation in Balochistan has been marked by allegations of autocratic rule, enforced disappearances, and human rights abuses over the past two decades. Activists stress the need for justice and respect for fundamental rights as enshrined in Pakistan’s Constitution.
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) faced a police crackdown in Karachi on Saturday 3 August. The rally, which aimed to express solidarity with the ongoing protests in Balochistan led by Dr. Mahrang Baloch, began at the Arts Council Karachi and was intended to proceed to the Press Club.
Heavy police deployment was reported as officers blocked the protesters from advancing, citing the enforcement of Section 144 in the city. The situation escalated when BYC members, including human rights activist Nida Kirmani, were detained after refusing to disperse.
Protesters were subsequently permitted to leave in groups of ten and staged a sit-in outside the Karachi Press Club. While female protesters were released, the male detainees remained in custody. The protest continued until late into the night, with demonstrators demanding the release of the arrested workers. The police then began arresting additional protesters and dispersing the sit-in.
The rally participants voiced their discontent, accusing the authorities of discriminatory enforcement of laws. They argued that while rallies by other groups are permitted, their peaceful demonstration was unjustly suppressed.
Political and social activists, including human rights organizations, condemned the police actions. BYC leaders reported that over 80 participants were arrested at the Karachi Press Club.
The rally, initially scheduled for 28 July, was previously banned by the Balochistan Government. Despite severe restrictions and alleged mistreatment by law enforcement, many continued their protest in Gwadar, where a sit-in is still ongoing.
Widespread criticism
The crackdown has sparked widespread criticism, with calls for the government to respect democratic rights, including freedom of assembly and expression. Civil society activists have also demanded an end to restrictions on the internet, communication, and basic supplies for protesters.
Eminent citizens and members of different civil society movements in Karachi, including Sheema Kermani, Nuzhat Shireen, Dr. Riaz Ahmed, Dr. Asghar Dashti, Ahmed Shabbar, Wahid Baloch, Anand Parkash, and Anam PPitaf, have issued a statement urging the government to address the grievances of the Baloch people and to lift the siege on peaceful protesters. They also call for the immediate release of all individuals detained in the past 48 hours.
The situation in Balochistan has been marked by allegations of autocratic rule, enforced disappearances, and human rights abuses over the past two decades. Activists stress the need for justice and respect for fundamental rights as enshrined in Pakistan’s Constitution.
“Pakistan is a democratic state and the constitution prohibits use of repressive measures against peaceful, unarmed citizens,” the activists said in a statement, adding, “The situation in Balochistan since past 20 years has been that of an autocratic rule, disenfranchisement of the right to choose representatives, enforced disappearances of tens of thousands, extrajudicial killings, youth denied the right to education, employment and the freedoms necessary for a civilized society.”
“As members of civil society we consider it our duty to demand that the government provide basic democratic right of association, assembly and freedom of expression as enshrined in 1973 Constitution with due regard to rule of law,” they say.
