Swedish Environmental and human rights activist Greta Thunberg has voiced serious concerns over reports of Pakistani state forces cracking down on the ‘Baloch Raaji Muchi’ (Baloch National Gathering) in Balochistan’s Gwadar.
Thunberg took to the social media platform X to express her concerns, urging the government to halt its actions. “The Pakistani government must end the crackdown against the peaceful gathering organised by Baloch women against the Baloch genocide by blocking roads, raiding houses, and abducting organizers,” she said.
The activist described the reports from Gwadar as “extremely concerning,” emphasizing that “the right to resist state repression is a fundamental human right.” Thunberg also called for the release of all forcibly disappeared organizers and others.
The ‘Baloch Raaji Muchi,’ organized by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 28. The gathering aims to highlight human rights violations, resource exploitation, and the alleged genocide of the Baloch people.
In anticipation of the gathering, Pakistani authorities have reportedly taken extensive measures to prevent the event, including blocking roads, raiding the homes of organizers, and detaining BYC activists and volunteers.
Additionally, Mobile and internet services have been suspended in multiple cities, and heavy security forces have been deployed across Quetta and other areas of Balochistan to manage potential public reactions.
The internet shutdown in the Makuran region has left the current situation in Gwadar unclear. However, sources told The Balochistan Post that a complete blockade has been imposed in Gwadar and its surrounding areas, with dozens of BYC activists arrested and the coast guard allegedly opening fire on a convoy entering Gwadar. They also reported that warning shots were fired last night at Naleent Zero Point and Talaar to disperse people gathering ahead of the planned event.