The Baloch Yakjehti Committee has strongly condemned the arrest of its Karachi region member, Jamal Baloch, who was reportedly detained by police at the Hub Chowki protest site and taken to an undisclosed location.
In a statement to the media, the committee described the incident as a reflection of the brutality for which the state is known. The spokesperson claimed that as the protesters began their peaceful rally, police resorted to excessive force, targeting women and young demonstrators in an apparent attempt to sabotage the protest.
The sit-in at Hub Chowki remains ongoing despite the crackdown. The committee has appealed to people from all walks of life to join the protest, emphasizing that this is a critical time for unity against the escalating oppression.
“We are exercising our constitutional right to protest, yet the state is responding with violence to suppress our voices. As the night falls, we fear further crackdowns against peaceful demonstrators. If any harm comes to our companions at the protest site, the state and its institutions will be held responsible,” the spokesperson warned.
The committee reiterated its commitment to peaceful protest, urging the authorities to avoid using force and respect their constitutional right to dissent.
The statement concluded with an urgent appeal for support, encouraging people to join the sit-in. “Your presence will energize our struggle. Come and stand as a beacon of hope for your people in these trying times.”
The Hub chowki protest, part of a broader movement against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, has drawn attention to the increasing repression faced by the Baloch community. Demonstrators remain steadfast, demanding justice and the release of the missing activist, Jamal Baloch.