Pakistani army attacks protest in Balochistan, abducts 12 women and over 50 men

Quetta: Security forces attacked a sit-in protest outside Balochistan University and abducted twelve women and more than fifty male protesters. Human rights violations are rampant in Balochistan. State institutions are brutally suppressing peaceful voices,… pic.twitter.com/SZOUsjJLek

— Baloch Yakjehti Committee (@BalochYakjehtiC) July 28, 2024

In a post on X, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) said, “Security forces attacked a sit-in protest in front of Balochistan University and abducted twelve female and over fifty male protesters.”

The post further said, “Human rights violations are at their peak in Balochistan. State institutions are brutally suppressing peaceful voices, recording yet another history of atrocities against the Baloch people. This sit-in was organised against the state's brutal crackdown on Baloch Raji Muchi. While the protesters were demanding justice, they themselves became the target of a fascist state.”

According to BYC, Pakistani security forces opened fire and forcefully dispersed the Karachi-bound peaceful Baloch Raji Muchi caravan at Kund Malir.

BYC said, “Yesterday Pakistan Army fired on the peaceful convoy of Baloch Raji Muchi Karachi at Kund Malir. Security forces forcibly sent the convoy back. In response, the convoy has started a sit-in at Zero Point and will keep the Zero Point closed until they are allowed to meet Baloch Raji Muchi at Gwadar.”

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) underlined the resolve of the Baloch people who are supporting the Baloch National Assembly, while the state is attempting to obstruct their participation. The movement, called Baloch Raji Muchi, saw a large number of people joining convoys headed to Gwadar.

Despite state interference, the BYC highlighted the resolve of the Baloch community to attend the conference, and focused on concerns such as enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, torture and arbitrary detention.

The Baloch community has faced severe human rights abuses. Enforced disappearances are a serious issue, where individuals are detained by the state or related forces without any legal charges, leaving families in a precarious position and often causing victims to endure brutal torture.

Extrajudicial killings are further worsening the situation, with activists and critics being targeted without fair trials, creating widespread fear and stifling dissent.

Torture and ill treatment in custody is widespread, with victims enduring physical and psychological abuse to coerce confessions or suppress dissent.

Arbitrary detentions are also common, leading to disruption of public life and a climate of fear. Freedom of expression is also widely suppressed, including harassment of journalists and activists, and censorship, which stifles public debate and accountability.