Pakistani Police Crack Down on Baloch Protesters Killing Three and Injuring Dozens
In a violent crackdown on peaceful demonstrators, Pakistani police fired indiscriminately on Baloch protesters in Quetta, killing three people and injuring dozens. The incident, which took place in the southwestern city, also saw the arrest of prominent human rights leader Mahrang Baloch. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a human rights group advocating for the region’s people, condemned the attack, accusing state authorities of excessive force and brutality.
The protest was organized to raise voices against the alleged atrocities committed by the Pakistani administration against the Baloch people. The demonstrators had gathered to demand justice, accountability, and the protection of their rights. However, the response from the police was swift and ruthless. BYC reported that security forces used tear gas, water cannons, and live bullets to disperse the protestors, leading to the deaths of three young Baloch men. The injuries sustained by dozens of others further highlighted the scale of the crackdown.
The arrest of Mahrang Baloch, a well-known advocate for Baloch rights, has intensified tensions. Activists claim that her detention is part of a broader effort to silence voices speaking out against enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and other human rights violations in Balochistan. Her supporters fear for her safety and have called for her immediate release.
The BYC took to social media to condemn the attack, stating, "Police and state agencies used tear gas, water cannons, and bullets in this demonstration, resulting in the martyrdom of three Baloch youths and injuries to dozens." The group further accused the government of using violent suppression to crush peaceful dissent, a claim that has sparked outrage among human rights organizations.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but most underdeveloped province, has long been a site of unrest. The region has seen a growing movement advocating for self-determination, fueled by allegations of state oppression, resource exploitation, and military crackdowns. Many activists have accused the Pakistani government of systematically targeting Baloch activists, journalists, and human rights defenders. Enforced disappearances, in which individuals are abducted by security forces and never seen again, have been a longstanding issue in the province.
Following the brutal crackdown, protests have erupted in different parts of Balochistan, with people demanding justice for the victims and accountability from the authorities. Social media has been flooded with images and videos of the police assault, further amplifying the anger of the Baloch community and human rights advocates. Calls for international intervention have also grown, with activists urging global organizations to take notice of the situation.
Despite the violence, the protesters remain resolute in their demands. They have vowed to continue their fight against what they call systematic oppression and human rights abuses. The Pakistani government, however, has yet to issue an official statement addressing the crackdown, the killings, or the arrest of Mahrang Baloch.
As tensions continue to rise, the situation in Quetta remains volatile. The crackdown on peaceful demonstrators has once again brought the plight of the Baloch people to the forefront, highlighting the deep-seated grievances and the ongoing struggle for justice in the region.
