Pakistani security forces charged at the protest by the family of missing Karachi University student Bahadur Bashir at Pasni Zero Point. The forces not only disrupted the protest but also baton-charged the protesters, mainly women, injuring several.
Bahadur Bashir, a Karachi University student, was detained by security forces in Pasni while visiting his family for Eid. His family has been protesting for his safe return for several days. They had temporarily suspended their protest after the local administration assured them of Bahadur’s release, but when the promise was broken, they resumed their protest at Pasni Zero Point, blocking the Makran Coastal Highway and causing traffic congestion.
Security forces reportedly tried to clear the highway by forcibly removing the protesters. They baton-charged the demonstrators and attempted to seize their phones. Local sources reported that several women were injured during the incident.
Protesters claimed that the forces used an excuse to disperse the protest. They said the security forces claimed they needed to open the highway to allow an ambulance carrying a critically ill patient to pass. However, when the protesters asked to see the patient and the ambulance, the forces responded with baton charges and tried to confiscate their phones. There was no ambulance or patient present, the protestors said.
The family has vowed to continue their protest until Bahadur Bashir is released.