Has a Massive Uprising Erupted Against Pakistani Forces in Balochistan?

Quetta, Sep 8 (NationPress) Prominent Baloch human rights advocate Mir Yar Baloch announced on Monday that a significant uprising is underway as the residents of Balochistan rise against the Pakistani forces throughout the province.

As per the human rights campaigner, this surge in protests was ignited by a call to oppose the terrorist organization ISI, which was responsible for a suicide bombing at the Balochistan National Party (BNP) rally in Quetta on September 2, resulting in the deaths of 15 Baloch individuals and injuring 35 more.

The activist stated on X, “Since then, strikes and protests have erupted throughout the entire Republic of Balochistan. These demonstrations target Pakistan's ongoing state occupation, the genocide of the Baloch people, widespread enforced disappearances, and the ISI’s persistent attacks on Baloch political activists through bombings and suicide missions.”

“Tensions have escalated to a critical level. In Quetta — particularly in Sona Thana, Mian Ghundi, Saryab, and Kichi Beg — along with areas like Mastung, Wadh, Khuzdar, Hub Chowki, Lasbela, Noshki, Panjgur, Kharan, Sibi, Kohlu, Barkhan, Koh-e-Suleiman, Dera Bugti, and Sui, the Baloch population is engaging in mass protests. The occupying Pakistani forces seem unable to counter the public resistance,” he added.

He emphasized that during these protests, roads have been obstructed, businesses and highways closed, rail operations suspended, and there are reports of airports being shut down.

Reports indicate that Pakistani forces have fired live ammunition and deployed tear gas against peaceful protesters, resulting in numerous injuries across various locations in the province.

In response, the human rights organization Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ) condemned the ongoing oppression by the Pakistani authorities throughout Balochistan, labeling the use of force against peaceful demonstrators as a flagrant violation of human rights.

“The public demonstrations in Quetta and other regions following the tragic September 2 incident represent a public referendum, illustrating that the people of Balochistan are resolutely pursuing peaceful democratic resistance against state oppression and tyranny. Tragically, state institutions and the puppet government of Balochistan are resorting to violence to silence the public voice,” BVJ stated.

“Actions such as tear gas deployment, direct gunfire, arrests, and violent actions against peacefully protesting political figures are not only clear violations of fundamental human rights but also starkly contradict democratic and constitutional principles,” it added.

The rights organization asserted that post the suicide attack on a peaceful BNP gathering, instead of holding the attackers accountable, Pakistani authorities have begun targeting the oppressed victims and demonstrators to safeguard Pakistan’s strategic interests and shield those involved in the assault.

BVJ urgently called upon the international community, civil society, and global human rights organizations to pay close attention to the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Balochistan and to advocate for the oppressed Baloch populace.