Protests are being held across Balochistan on Sunday against the government crackdown on the Baloch Raaji Muchi gathering and Saturday’s incident in Mastung, where Pakistani forces opened live fire on the convoy of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee heading to Gwadar to participate in the gathering. The live fire injured 14 people, and the security forces also flattened the tires of the vehicles to prevent the convoy from reaching Gwadar. In response, a large number of participants and local residents have gathered at the site, staging a sit-in while businesses in the city remain closed.
Similarly, in Nushki and Dalbandin, the business community has shut down shops in solidarity with the Baloch Raaji Muchi participants. In the capital city of Quetta, protests have been ongoing since Saturday night near Burma Hotel on Sariab Road against the Mastung incident.
Speaking to The Balochistan Post from the protest site in Quetta, activist Zeen Gul Baloch said that the road has been blocked and the shops have been closed in protest against the Mastung incident. She appealed to the general public to participate in the protest and raise their voice against “state oppression.”
Protest in Quetta: https://x.com/tbpenglish/status/1817499290895261950?s=46
Reports indicate that of the 14 people were injured in the Mastung firing, with four in critical condition. Despite the government’s efforts to block the convoys, many have managed to overcome obstacles and have reached Turbat, Talar, and Buzzi Top.
In Gwadar, security forces have blocked all roads leading to the city and deployed heavy contingents to prevent the gathering. Despite these measures, the Baloch Raaji Muchi is scheduled to take place at 3 PM in Pidi Zir, Gwadar.