Protests against ‘Baloch genocide’ and enforced disappearances, organized by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), have continued across Balochistan, with a significant demonstration held on Wednesday in Karachi.
In a statement, the BYC condemned the increasing pace of what it calls the ‘Baloch genocide,’ highlighting the rising cases of extrajudicial killings and the re-activation of ‘death squads’ — alleged state-affiliated armed militias — aimed at targeting the Baloch people. The committee emphasized the need for public protests to raise awareness about these atrocities, with one of the central spaces for such expressions being the press clubs, where individuals have the right to voice their concerns.
Wednesday’s demonstration was intended to take place outside the Karachi Press Club, but the committee claims that this right was stripped away by the state. According to BYC, the Sindh government and local police authorities, under the supervision of state institutions, shut down the press club completely. This, the committee says, is a violation of the country’s constitution and legal rights.
In response to the closure, the protesters were not deterred. They shifted their demonstration to the streets, continuing to demand justice for the Baloch victims.
The BYC reaffirmed its commitment to its cause, stating that no matter how much the state tries to silence them, their struggle will persist. They stressed that they would remain steadfast in their efforts to stand in solidarity with the Baloch people, regardless of the state’s attempts at suppression. The committee made it clear that their fight for justice, human rights, and the survival of the Baloch people would continue unabated, despite any state-led conspiracies.