A shutter-down strike was observed in Balochistan and parts of Karachi on Wednesday, following a call from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). The strike, accompanied by rallies, supported the Baloch protesters in Islamabad, who are protesting against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan.
In Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, Baloch protesters continued their sit-in at the National Press Club (NPC). They called for a nationwide strike to draw attention to their unmet demands and the state’s perceived indifference.
The demands include the release of all protesters detained during recent police actions, a UN-led investigation into human rights violations in Balochistan, an end to enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, constraints on the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and dismantling “state-sponsored death squads.”
Major cities in Balochistan, such as Quetta, Turbat, Hub, Gwadar, Kalat, and others including Khuzdar, Noshki, Mastung, Kohlu, Chagai, Dalbandin, Winder, Mand, Tump, Soorab, Gaddani, Panjgur, Washuk, Barkhan, Basima, Naag, and Buleda, observed the strike. Business centers, government offices, and financial institutions remained closed.
Peaceful demonstrations were also reported in various areas, with participants reiterating calls for justice and human rights protection in Balochistan.
In Kohlu, protesters blocked the highway to Punjab, voicing strong opposition to what they termed as “state oppression”. They expressed support for the protesters in Islamabad, criticizing the state for its use of force instead of engaging in dialogue to provide justice.
Participants condemned the state’s approach, labeling Pakistan more a security state than a democratic and welfare state. They criticized public figures like Anwar ul Haq Kakar and the state’s restriction on essentials for Islamabad protesters. They accused the state of exploiting Balochistan’s resources while neglecting critical issues such as enforced disappearances.
The participants highlighted the historical struggles of the Balochs, Pashtuns, and Sindhis, emphasizing the state’s harsh treatment of these ethnic groups, including the recent use of force against Baloch women and children in Islamabad.
Demonstrators urged the state to address the demands of the relatives of the disappeared, including releasing missing persons, ending extrajudicial killings, and withdrawing false FIRs against peaceful protesters.
The strike also extended to Karachi and Gilgit Baltistan, indicating widespread support for the Baloch protesters in Islamabad. In Karachi’s Malir district, key commercial centers shut down, while Gilgit Baltistan saw a protest demonstration in solidarity with the Baloch Yakjehti Committee.