Police Crackdown on Baloch Protesters in Islamabad

News Desk

Islamabad: The police detained numerous Baloch demonstrators across various parts of the federal capital late Wednesday night, utilizing baton charges during a protest against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

Videos circulating on social media depicted security forces employing water cannons and tear gas on the protesters, as well as forcibly loading them into police vehicles and using clubs to subdue them.

The police dismantled camps and loudspeakers established by the demonstrators outside the National Press Club.

A Baloch women-led long march, initiated from Turbat on December 6 following the alleged extrajudicial killing of a Baloch youth, concluded in the federal capital. However, police preemptively blocked entry points and major roads leading to the National Press Club to prevent their arrival.

Initially, Jinnah Avenue and other routes were blocked, causing significant traffic congestion across Islamabad.

An Islamabad police spokesperson, in a late-night statement, mentioned the presence of “masked men carrying batons” among the protesters. They emphasized using non-lethal measures to prevent access to high-security areas and claimed to have avoided the use of force.

The spokesperson further stated that protesters allegedly threw stones at police officials near Chongi No. 26 and Ayub Chowk, resulting in arrests. Legal action was promised against those obstructing roads. The detained protesters were relocated to various police stations across the city, with women demonstrators taken to the Women Police Station.

Why protest against enforced disappearances?

Public protests against enforced disappearances in Pakistan have been a crucial expression of citizens’ collective voice demanding justice and accountability for the victims and their families. These protests are pivotal in raising awareness about the issue and pressing the government for action against this grave human rights violation.

Citizens, activists, families of the disappeared, and various civil society groups frequently organize demonstrations, rallies, sit-ins, and marches across Pakistan.

Protesters often utilize social media and other communication channels to mobilize support and draw attention to specific cases of disappearances. They also aim to pressure authorities into taking concrete steps to address the issue, including conducting transparent investigations, disclosing the whereabouts of the missing persons, and holding those responsible accountable under the law.

These public protests play a crucial role in keeping the issue in the public spotlight, fostering solidarity among affected families, and compelling authorities to acknowledge and act on enforced disappearances. They also serve as a reminder to the government of its responsibility to protect the fundamental rights of its citizens and uphold the rule of law.

However, it’s important to note that protests against enforced disappearances in Pakistan often face challenges, including restrictions imposed by authorities, intimidation of activists, and security-related concerns. Despite these obstacles, the resilience of the protesters continues to be a driving force in the ongoing fight for justice and human rights in the country.

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