A Baloch protester was killed, and two others were injured when Pakistani security forces opened fire on a rally in Balochistan’s Noshki.
The rally was organized by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) to protest against the ‘violent crackdown’ by Pakistani state forces on participants of the ‘Baloch National Gathering.’
The rally began at the Noshki Press Club and proceeded to Qalam Chowk Station, where it turned violent as security forces fired live ammunition at the crowd.
Video of the incident can be viewed here: https://x.com/BalochistanPost/status/1819414853649301621
Hamdan Baloch, the son of Abdullah Badini, was killed in the incident, while two others sustained serious injuries.
The BYC condemned the shooting, describing it as an attempt to silence dissent. “Sangat Hamdan Baloch was martyred today during a peaceful rally in Noshki,” the group said in a statement. “The state is using every possible means to suppress the Baloch nation.”
Human rights organizations have also expressed outrage over the use of force. The Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) called for an immediate investigation, stating, “We strongly condemn the brutal attack on protesters. The excessive use of force is deeply troubling and unacceptable.”
Paank, the human rights department of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), criticized the forces’ actions, stating, “The violent actions, which resulted in injuries and one death, are a blatant violation of human rights.”
Following the incident, a sit-in continues at National Highway N-40 at Qalam Chowk Station in protest against the firing on the BYC demonstration. Traffic on N-40 has been suspended, and long queues of vehicles have formed.
This incident occurs amid heightened tensions in Balochistan. The BYC has accused the government of contradictory actions, stating that while negotiations are ongoing, authorities are simultaneously killing, arresting, and disappearing people from various cities across Balochistan and Karachi.