Baloch student councils across Pakistan’s major cities have declared a week-long class boycott to protest against the enforced disappearances, racial profiling, and harassment of Baloch students in different universities, particularly in Punjab.
The student councils, in collaboration with human rights activists, have initiated a one-week campaign to draw attention to the enforced disappearances of Baloch students. The campaign has gained momentum with press conferences, media statements, protest demonstrations and an online movement advocating for the safe release of missing persons and against the abduction of Baloch students.
This week, the campaign commenced with pamphlet distribution to raise public awareness about the Baloch students’ struggles. In Islamabad, a significant demonstration took place on Saturday, spotlighting the case of Feroz Baloch, who has been missing for nearly two years. The protest, which concluded at the Islamabad Press Club, saw the participation of hundreds of Baloch students.
In Lahore, Baloch students, supported by peers from other communities, boycotted classes and staged a demonstration on their university campus.
The Baloch Students’ Council Punjab is leading demonstrations in Punjab’s major cities, calling for an end to the enforced disappearances of Baloch students, racial profiling, and the safe return of Feroz Baloch and Ahmed Khan Baloch. The rallies have seen diverse participation, including individuals from various ethnic backgrounds and human rights advocates.
The Baloch student councils are urging students from all ethnicities and citizens from all walks of life to lend their voices to the cause of Baloch students. They have also launched an online campaign on the social media platform ‘X’, formerly known as Twitter, to garner support for Baloch students.