Quetta, Jan 29 (NationPress) The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed strong disapproval on Thursday regarding the detention of government employees who were peacefully advocating for their rights. They also demanded the release of leaders and members of the Balochistan Grand Alliance, who have been reportedly moved to Mach Jail under the Maintenance of Public Order.

In a statement shared on X, HRCP asserted, "HRCP calls for the immediate release of the leaders and members of the Balochistan Grand Alliance, who have been transferred to Mach Jail under the Maintenance of Public Order 3. The detention of government employees for peacefully voicing their demands, such as salary-related issues, contradicts democratic principles and basic human rights."

"Disturbing reports regarding inhumane conditions, lack of food, inadequate medical care, and exposure to severe cold—especially in isolation cells—are profoundly concerning and could constitute degrading and inhuman treatment. We urge the authorities to address all unresolved matters through dialogue instead of coercion," the statement continued.

On Monday, members of the Balochistan Employees Grand Alliance (BEGA) organized protest rallies in Quetta and Khuzdar to voice their demands, including the approval of the disparity reduction allowance, as reported by local media.

The BEGA protesters marched from Bacha Khan Chowk to the City Police Station in Quetta. Once they reached the police station, the demonstrators conducted a sit-in and chanted slogans against the government, which refused to meet their demands, as noted by Pakistan's leading daily, Dawn. According to police reports, 11 employees voluntarily surrendered for arrest during the protest.

Additionally, government employees in Khuzdar participated in a protest led by the alliance’s district president, Aslam Notani, along with other notable leaders. A significant number of employees from various government sectors took part in the demonstration, expressing their frustrations over the government's delay in addressing their concerns.

On January 20, many government employees were apprehended in Quetta as police obstructed a sit-in in the Red Zone, where employees were advocating for the implementation of the Disparity Reduction Allowance. During that protest, authorities suspended mobile internet services in Quetta and surrounding areas, according to local media.

Government employees from Balochistan traveled to Quetta in response to the sit-in announcement by the alliance of workers’ organizations to press their demands, as reported by The Balochistan Post. Recently, the protests have disrupted operations in numerous government offices.

Authorities placed containers at strategic entry points and completely sealed off the Red Zone to prevent protesters from accessing the area. However, following the roadblocks, employees began gathering outside the Quetta Press Club. Police intervened to disperse the crowd and arrested dozens at the scene.