Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets across Balochistan and other major cities for the fourth consecutive day, demonstrating against the violent state crackdown on participants of the Baloch Raaji Muchi.
In Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, a sit-in protest continues on Sariab Road in front of the University of Balochistan. On Wednesday, thousands joined a large rally, chanting slogans against state brutalities. Protesters voiced their determination with chants such as, “The struggle of mothers and sisters vows that the dawn will be ours; the dawn is ours.”
In Islamabad, a large rally organized by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) saw activists, human rights members, and students gathering in front of the National Press Club. The demonstrators expressed concerns about state censorship, media blackouts in Balochistan, and the crackdown on the ‘Baloch National Gathering.’ They highlighted enforced disappearances, attacks on convoys, and the killings of participants during the national gathering.
Human rights activist and lawyer Imaan Mazari, who participated in the Islamabad protest, said, “For the past six days, the state has used force against a peaceful Raaji Muchi and targeted civilians in Balochistan, showing that the state is fearful of the peaceful resistance of the Baloch people.” She added that attempts to turn the peaceful protest violent were thwarted by BYC leaders, who exposed the state’s actions to the world.
Meanwhile, in Karachi, police arrested several BYC leaders and activists, including Fouzia Baloch, outside the Karachi Press Club. They were detained while preparing to address the media. The arrests drew condemnation from activists who demanded their immediate release. According to the latest reports, those detained have now been released.
In Dalbandin, security forces reportedly opened fire on demonstrators during a sit-in, injuring three protesters. The incident has escalated tensions in the region. In Noshki, protesters blocked the main highway at Ahmadwaal and halted two trains heading to Iran. Shutter-down strikes continue in most parts of Balochistan as a form of protest against the state violence in Gwadar.
Authorities have filed FIRs against protest participants and BYC activists in cities like Barkhan and Uthal. The BYC reported that Qazi Siraj-ul-Haq was arrested by Uthal police, with no information on his whereabouts.
In Rakhni, Barkhan, FIRs were filed against demonstrators following a peaceful rally, leading to further unrest. Protesters condemned these actions, demanding the withdrawal of FIRs and an end to the arrests of peaceful protesters.
Despite a massive crackdown, the BYC’s sit-in protest in Gwadar continues into its fourth day with strong participation, demonstrating the protesters’ resilience and commitment to standing against state violence.