The Baloch Students Action Committee (BSAC) has condemned a police raid on a book stall in Hyderabad, Sindh, describing the action as an attempt to obstruct knowledge and intellectual awareness.
In a statement, the organisation’s central spokesperson said police raided a stall organised by the Jeay Sindh Students Federation (JSSF) in the city’s Naseem Nagar area, detaining students and confiscating books.
The spokesperson criticised the treatment of students engaged in promoting reading and education, arguing that while the world was advancing through new technologies, people in the region continued to face restrictions even for organising book stalls.
“While the world is reaching new heights through new technologies, we are still at a point where even book stalls are viewed with fear and cannot be tolerated,” the spokesperson said.
The organisation said research, creativity and the progress arising from them were being obstructed, while individuals attempting to spread knowledge and awareness through their own efforts were being detained along with their books.
It also expressed concern over declining educational standards and low literacy rates, saying restrictions on book stalls and other educational activities would further deepen the problem.
BSAC condemned what it described as an unlawful raid and demanded action against those responsible. It urged the authorities to ensure that book stalls and other educational activities could continue without restrictions.
The spokesperson said the incident was not merely about a single book stall but reflected broader attitudes towards knowledge, awareness and intellectual development in society.