Arrests and FIRs Filed Against Baloch Activists as BYC Protests Continue Across Balochistan

On the day of Eid al-Fitr, several activists in the Balochistan regions of Mashkhel, Kharan, and Jhao were arrested or had First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against them after participating in peaceful demonstrations called by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC).

In Mashkhel, police filed FIRs against 17 activists and detained at least seven individuals.

In Kharan, a case was registered against BYC women activists—including Hakmeen Baloch and Zarmina Baloch—for allegedly blocking roads during a protest.

In Awaran district’s Jhao, Pakistani forces reportedly detained multiple demonstrators one day after a peaceful rally. Among the missing are Muhammad Karim, son of Muhammad Sharif (resident of Jhao), and Shabbir, son of Ismail (resident of Kech). Their whereabouts remain unknown.

BYC Accuses Police of Harassment and Retaliatory Raids in Mashkhel

In a press release, BYC Chagai zone accused Mashkhel police of harassing residents following the Eid protest.

The statement alleged that dozens of people, including underage children, were either detained or had their homes raided without warrants.

“The Baloch nation is facing its most difficult phase of repression,” the statement said. “Even children are no longer safe in their own land. For simply being Baloch, people are being targeted.”

The BYC said that law enforcement agencies were being used to spread fear and crush dissent.

“The state is provoking the people of Mashkhel. If there is a backlash, it will bear full responsibility,” the group warned.

Protests Continue Across Balochistan

Meanwhile, protests continued across Balochistan as the BYC held fresh rallies in Turbat, Pasni, and Panjgur, demanding the release of detained leaders including Dr Mahrang Baloch, Beebow Baloch, Sibghatullah Shah Ji, Bebarg Baloch, and other missing activists.

In Pasni, protesters marched from Nayadi Sar to the Press Club, carrying placards and chanting slogans. Women and children made up a large part of the crowd.

Speakers at the rally condemned what they called the Balochistan government’s “brutality against women”, and accused it of attempting to suppress dissent through intimidation.

Activists also claimed that police tried to block the protest by threatening vendors not to provide sound equipment.

“They tried to silence us—but we will continue to rise,” one speaker said.

In Panjgur, a protest rally began in Sordo and ended at Kaleemullah Chowk. Family members of missing persons joined other speakers to demand immediate releases of Baloch activists.

BNP Chief Warns of March on Quetta if Women Not Released

At a sit-in protest in Lakpass, Balochistan National Party (BNP) President Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal warned that if detained Baloch women were not released, protesters would remove roadblocks themselves and march to Quetta.

The BNP-M’s “long march” from Wadh to Quetta was halted by authorities at Lakpass, where the protest has turned into a continuous sit-in.

“If the women are not released by tomorrow, we will remove the containers ourselves,” Mengal said. “We are thousands strong—and we will march.”

He accused the state of committing grave injustices against the Baloch people, likening the current crackdown to past persecution of Bengalis.

“When we highlight the Baloch genocide, we’re accused of politicising it—but this is about dignity and honour,” Mengal said.

He also criticised the Balochistan government, calling its delegation “powerless” and accusing the Chief Minister of fearing the protestors.

“The decision of where we protest in Quetta will not be yours—it will be ours,” Mengal said. “Even your father will be forced to listen now.”

According to BNP organisers, entry and exit points to Nushki, Quetta, and Mastung have been blocked by authorities. Mengal urged the public to join the sit-in in large numbers and defy state repression.