A sit-in at Bolan Medical College (BMC) entered its twelfth day as students and activists continued to protest against alleged militarization, harassment, and forced disappearances on university campuses, as well as the closure of hostels and disruption of academic schedules. On Sunday, the protest camp hosted a seminar organized by student unions and attended by political activists, representatives of parliamentary parties, and large numbers of students.
The seminar included speeches, panel discussions, and a silent tableau that shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by students. Notable participants included Dr. Mahrang Baloch, the leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), and representatives from various political parties and student unions.
The event opened with the Baloch national anthem, followed by an introductory speech by Rafiq Baloch, Vice Chairman of the Baloch Students Action Committee (BSAC).
One panel discussion focused on the closure of BMC hostels and their occupation by police forces. Moderated by BSAC’s Zonal Information Secretary, Beebgar Baloch, the panel featured students from BMC who shared their experiences and the impact on their education.
Another session, moderated by Fahad Baloch, President of BSAC’s Quetta Zone, delved into the role of political activists in mobilizing public support for educational reforms in Balochistan. Panelists included Advocate Sadia Baloch of the BYC, Dr. Summaiya Baloch of the Baloch Women Forum, Ali Jan Maqsood of the National Democratic Party, and Zubair Agha Shah from the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement.
A subsequent discussion brought together parliamentary party representatives, including Dr. Ishaq of the National Party, Ghulam Nabi Marri of the Balochistan National Party, Abdul Bari Kakar of the Awami National Party, and Nasrullah Zayrai of the Pashtunkhwa National Awami Party. Moderated by Atif Baloch of the Baloch Students Organization (BSO), the session addressed the role of parliament in addressing students’ grievances and restoring normalcy to academic institutions.
This was followed by a silent tableau performed by BMC students to depict how state policies and administrative decisions disrupt academic schedules and lead to the closure of educational institutions.
The seminar concluded with a discussion on the role of student organizations in advocating for education rights. Moderated by BSAC General Secretary Khudadad Baloch, the panel included leaders from BSAC, BSO, the Pashtun Students Federation, and the Pashtun Students Organization.
In his closing remarks, BSAC Chairman Shabbir Baloch emphasized the urgency of restoring academic schedules and reopening hostels at BMC and other institutions. He called for an immediate end to the militarization of educational spaces and warned of intensified protests if their demands were not met.
Throughout the seminar, all panelists emphasized the need to immediately end the militarization of educational institutions and restore academic schedules at BMC and other institutions. They also called for the reopening of hostels, warning that if their demands are not addressed, they reserve the right to continue their protests within constitutional and democratic limits. Furthermore, they reiterated their message to the authorities, urging them to listen to the students’ demands or face a stronger response.