A sit-in protest in Turbat continued for a second consecutive day on Friday, with demonstrators demanding the return of the bodies of three young men killed earlier this week in a clash with Pakistani forces.
The protest, taking place at D Baloch Chowk, has blocked traffic along the M-8 highway — a key route in the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Long queues of vehicles have formed on both sides of the road.
A large number of women, children, and local residents participated in the demonstration on Friday. Protesters are calling for the immediate release of the bodies so the men can be buried in accordance with Baloch and religious customs.
The deceased — identified as Nabeel Hoth, Zakaullah, and Feroz— were killed during a firefight with Pakistani forces in the Dank area of Kech district. Their bodies were taken by security personnel and have not yet been returned, according to family members.
Protesters said they submitted a formal request to the local magistrate for the release of the bodies, but it was rejected. The families later met with the Deputy Commissioner of Kech, who reportedly told them that the bodies were no longer under his jurisdiction and had been handed over to “powerful institutions.”
The demonstrators vowed to continue the highway blockade until the bodies are returned. No official statement had been issued by the military or local administration at the time of reporting.