Reports indicate that Pakistani security forces have arrested four Sindhi youths in Mirpur Khas for their involvement in a demonstration supporting Baloch women and children engaged in a sit-in protest in Islamabad. The demonstration, part of the “Long March Against Baloch Genocide”, commenced from Turbat to Quetta and aimed to reach Islamabad. However, the marchers were initially barred entry, leading to their detainment. Supporters in Islamabad, primarily Baloch students gathered at the National Press Club to welcome the march, faced beatings and mass arrests.
The violent crackdown in Islamabad prompted widespread national and international condemnation, sparking a series of protests across various regions in Balochistan and in cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Bahawalpur.
In Mirpur Khas, Sindh, organizers staged a similar demonstration in support of the Baloch protestors. However, the four organizers, identified as Vicky Sanjwani, Gautam Prakash, Nand Lal, and Khushal Das, were detained by Pakistani security forces. Additionally, more than 50 political activists were arrested for voicing dissent against the security forces and the state.
Disturbing reports have emerged from Karachi and other parts of Sindh, suggesting that workers and protestors associated with the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, expressing solidarity with those arrested in Islamabad, have also been detained and charged with sedition.
Sindhi nationalists have issued warnings, indicating that unless the workers and activists are released, they intend to escalate large-scale protests throughout Sindh. Several Sindhi organizations, including the Sindh Sujagi Forum, Voice for Missing Persons of Sindh, Sindh Sabha, Sindh United Party, and several others, have been actively demonstrating in support of the Baloch protestors in Islamabad.