Students at Bolan Medical College (BMC) in Quetta continued their protest for a fourth consecutive day on Saturday, demanding the reopening of their institution and its hostels, along with the release of detained students.
The sit-in, held outside the main gate of BMC, has drawn significant participation despite the harsh cold weather.
Protesters accused the BMC administration and law enforcement officials of facilitating what they called the “illegal occupation” of hostels by security forces, which they say has disrupted academic activities.
“The closure of hostels and classes violates our fundamental right to education and jeopardizes our future,” a protesting student said.
Students also criticized recent police actions, alleging that raids on hostels resulted in arrests, injuries, and some students being rendered unconscious. They claimed these actions are part of a deliberate effort to marginalize Baloch youth and deprive them of educational opportunities.
“Our only crime is the desire to pursue education,” another protester said. “The government is systematically denying us access to education.”
The demonstrators further accused the authorities of attempting to create divisions between Baloch and Pashtun students and raised concerns about the use of educational institutions for military purposes.
“We will resist any efforts to militarize our colleges and universities,” they said.
The protesters vowed to escalate their demonstrations if their demands are not met. “This protest will continue until the hostels and college are reopened and the detained students are released,” they said.
Authorities have not commented on the protests or addressed the allegations raised by the students.