Quetta, Jan 22 (NationPress) The Baloch Students Action Committee (BSAC) has strongly criticized the Pakistani police for their raid on a protest organized by the Balochistan Grand Alliance, a coalition representing government employees. The violence and subsequent arrests of teachers, professors, and other professionals have been described as “extremely alarming”.

This condemnation came after dozens of government employees were arrested in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, on Tuesday when police obstructed a planned sit-in in the city's Red Zone. The protesters had gathered to demand the implementation of the Disparity Reduction Allowance.

The BSAC’s statement highlighted, “The most condemnable act is that police officials, who draw salaries from public funds, are disrespecting a professor by dragging him on the street and taking him away. This is a deplorable act of dishonour against teachers, who hold a great status in society. We not only condemn this immoral act but also consider it the extreme of humiliating teachers.”

The student organization further noted that in Balochistan, voicing one's rights peacefully has been criminalized, forcing individuals to face harsh consequences for actions they have not committed.

“While the government touts its commitment to better governance, educational reforms, and transparent recruitment, its behavior toward teachers and employees reveals a stark contradiction,” the statement asserted.

In response to the violence, the BSAC has called for immediate action from higher authorities in Pakistan, demanding a thorough investigation and strict penalties for those responsible.

According to a report by The Balochistan Post, the authorities suspended mobile internet services across Quetta and nearby regions during the protest, leading to extensive service interruptions.

Government employees from various parts of Balochistan had converged on Quetta following a call from the workers' coalition for a sit-in to urge authorities to fulfill their demands.

However, late on Monday, the district administration obstructed major entry points by placing containers, effectively sealing off the Red Zone to prevent protesters from gaining access.

As access was restricted, employees gathered outside the Quetta Press Club, but police intervened, preventing their assembly and arresting numerous individuals.

This prompted the Balochistan Grand Alliance to initiate a “jail bharo” (fill the jails) campaign.

Balochistan has been experiencing widespread protests from public sector employees, with various human rights organizations expressing concerns regarding the severe crackdown by Pakistani authorities during these demonstrations.