Why Do Baloch Families Accuse Pakistan of 'Systematic Repression' During Their Protest?
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Synopsis
In a gripping demonstration of resilience, Baloch families in Islamabad have entered the 11th day of their protest against Pakistan, accusing the state of widespread repression. This article delves into the ongoing struggle for justice and the alarming reports of enforced disappearances that have plagued Balochistan, shedding light on human rights violations in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Baloch families are protesting against systematic repression in Pakistan.
- Calls for the release of detained leaders are central to their demands.
- Enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings are ongoing concerns.
- Human rights organizations are actively documenting these violations.
- The situation reflects broader issues of governance and human rights in Balochistan.
Quetta, July 26 (NationPress) A multitude of Baloch families on Saturday condemned Pakistan for its systematic repression as their sit-in demonstration reached the 11th day in Islamabad.
The ongoing protest demands the release of numerous Balochistan leaders and calls for an end to the enforced disappearances and killings that have sadly become commonplace in this troubled Pakistani province.
"Roads leading to the Press Club are currently blocked with buses, barricades, and barbed wire. Not a single camp has been permitted, even amidst this unbearable heat, where elderly women and children are collapsing daily due to the harsh conditions. Yet, the families remain resolute,” stated a release from the prominent Baloch human rights organization, Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC).
"Currently, the harassment has escalated. Individuals linked to intelligence agencies, accompanied and supported by Islamabad police, are targeting participants, particularly young male protestors. They are capturing videos without consent, loitering around the protest site, and following families to their homes, trying to intimidate them into leaving,” the BYC added.
In the meantime, several human rights organizations on Saturday brought attention to the ongoing surge of enforced disappearances across Balochistan.
The human rights organization Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ) reported that Muslim Dad Baloch, a philosophy student at Karachi University, was forcibly taken by Pakistan's security forces on the evening of July 25.
"The targeting of Baloch students based on their identity is a severe violation of human rights and academic freedom,” the BVJ emphasized.
Additionally, Paank, the Human Rights Department of the Baloch National Movement, vehemently condemned the enforced disappearances of Abdul Rehman from Barkan and Imran Baloch from Kech district in Balochistan. It mentioned that both Abdul and Imran were unlawfully detained and forcibly disappeared by the Pakistan Army on July 15 and June 27, respectively.
Revealing another instance of violence against Baloch civilians, the BYC reported that Mazar Baloch, a resident of Awaran district, was extrajudicially executed by Pakistan-backed death squads on July 21.
The BYC noted that Mazar had previously been forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces in 2015. During his five years of illegal detention, he suffered inhumane torture at the hands of the Pakistani military. He was released in 2020, but like many former detainees, he continued to be under constant surveillance and harassment.
According to the human rights organization, following his release, Mazar was frequently summoned to the central cantonment in Mashkai by the Pakistani army and intelligence agencies. On July 21, he was again instructed to report to the headquarters of Pakistan's Frontier Corps.
“After this visit, he was abducted and later discovered to be shot dead in Khandri, Mashkai, by state-backed death squads operating under the auspices of the Pakistani military,” the BYC reported.
Various human rights organizations in Balochistan have repeatedly highlighted the repression by Pakistani forces in the region, which includes violent intrusions into the homes of Baloch leaders and civilians, unlawful arrests, enforced disappearances, the 'kill and dump' policy, detention under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, and the filing of fabricated police cases.
Point of View
It is imperative to present an unbiased view of the ongoing protests in Islamabad. The claims of systematic repression must be examined with care, ensuring that the voices of Baloch families are heard while also considering the broader context of regional security and governance. It is crucial to uphold the principles of human rights and justice for all individuals involved.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main demands of the Baloch protesters?
The primary demands include the release of Baloch leaders, an end to enforced disappearances, and a stop to the killings in Balochistan.
Who are the Baloch Yakjehti Committee?
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) is a prominent human rights organization advocating for the rights of the Baloch people.
What incidents of violence have been reported?
Several incidents, including the extrajudicial killing of Mazar Baloch and enforced disappearances of individuals like Muslim Dad Baloch, have been reported.
How has the government responded to the protests?
The government has imposed restrictions on the protest, including sealing off roads and preventing the establishment of protest camps.
What role do human rights organizations play in this issue?
Various human rights organizations are highlighting the situation and advocating for justice and the protection of Baloch rights.
