Balochistan Unrest: Protests Escalate as Authorities Crack Down on BYC
QUETTA: A significant portion of Balochistan came to a standstill as authorities launched a forceful crackdown on the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) demonstrators. Law enforcement detained over a dozen activists, including the group’s chief organizer, Dr. Mahrang Baloch, on Saturday from a protest site near the University of Balochistan.
Following their arrest, Dr. Baloch and 16 other members, among them seven women, were initially held at Bijli Road police station before being transferred to the Quetta district jail.
“A total of 17 BYC activists, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch, have been taken into custody,” confirmed a police official.
Heavy Police Presence at Protest Site
A large contingent of police surrounded the protest camp on Munir Mengal Road, apprehending Dr. Baloch as she led the demonstration against the detention of fellow BYC activist Bebarg Baloch, his brother—Bolan Medical College Vice Principal Dr. Ilyas Baloch—and other relatives. Protesters were also voicing concerns over the reported burial of 13 unidentified bodies.
Shortly after the arrests, authorities dismantled the protest site, forcefully dispersing demonstrators. Among them were families mourning the loss of three individuals allegedly killed in a prior police crackdown. The police later handed the deceased individuals’ remains to their families.
Rising Tensions in Quetta
By Saturday evening, clashes persisted in the Saroyan area, with security forces employing tear gas to break up the protests. Reports suggested that fires had been set at the University of Balochistan post office and various businesses along Sariab Road, prompting heavy police deployment to control the situation.
Allegations and Official Statements
The BYC condemned the police’s actions, claiming that officers raided their camp, mistreated activists, and arrested them. The group further alleged that security personnel had opened fire, resulting in the deaths of three protesters and injuries to several others.
BMC Hospital authorities confirmed receiving two bodies, which were later removed by accompanying individuals. Meanwhile, Civil Hospital reported one fatality and admitted 10 injured police officers, including a female constable.
However, Quetta Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat refuted allegations that law enforcement had fired upon protesters. In an official statement, he said that on March 21, BYC launched protests over the retrieval of bodies linked to the Jaffar Express operation. Authorities claimed that demonstrators, alongside armed individuals, initiated violence through stone-pelting and gunfire, leading to the deaths of three individuals—one of whom was allegedly an Afghan national.
“Despite knowing the actual cause of death, the BYC leadership refused to relinquish the bodies. At the families’ request, authorities intervened to retrieve and return them respectfully,” the statement read.
Legal Action Against Protesters
Officials have initiated legal proceedings, charging protesters under relevant laws for attacking Civil Hospital, inciting violence, and other serious offenses. Meanwhile, Bolan Medical College Vice Principal Dr. Ilyas Baloch, his son, and son-in-law were released on Friday night, three days after their arrest.
Strikes and Road Blockades
A partial strike took place in Quetta following Dr. Mahrang Baloch’s call for protest. While major commercial areas remained open, certain roads—such as Sariab Road and Brewery Road—saw significant closures. Public transport was largely unavailable, with reduced traffic flow across the city.
Elsewhere, shutter-down strikes were observed in cities including Mastung, Kalat, Khuzdar, Noshki, Hub, Bela, Surab, Gwadar, Turbat, Panjgur, and Dera Murad Jamali. Key highways connecting Quetta to Karachi and Taftan were also blocked.
Political and Human Rights Reactions
The National Party denounced the arrests, stating that the government resorted to excessive force, detaining activists and confiscating the bodies of deceased protesters, an act the party labeled as “fascism.”
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also called for restraint, condemning the arrests and reported communication blackouts in Quetta. “Suppressing dissent in this manner will only deepen public frustration,” HRCP noted, urging the provincial government to immediately release BYC leaders and engage in meaningful dialogue.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) similarly criticized the crackdown, demanding Dr. Mahrang Baloch’s release and holding the Balochistan chief minister and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto responsible for the violent response to peaceful protests.
Government Extends Talks Offer
Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik, while speaking to media in Taxila, emphasized that the government is open to discussions with estranged Baloch leaders, including BYC representatives. However, he warned that the state would not tolerate separatist movements.
“Violence will not resolve these issues. If Baloch leaders are serious about negotiations, we are ready for dialogue,” he said.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why were BYC activists arrested?
Authorities detained BYC members, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch, during a protest over the arrest of Bebarg Baloch and his relatives, as well as the alleged unmarked burial of 13 individuals.
2. What led to the violent clashes in Quetta?
Clashes erupted after law enforcement attempted to disperse protesters. Allegations surfaced that police opened fire, killing three individuals, while officials claim that armed protesters initiated the violence.
3. What is the stance of the Balochistan government?
The government insists it is open to dialogue but maintains that legal action will be taken against those involved in violence or separatist activities.
4. How have human rights organizations responded?
HRCP and political parties condemned the crackdown, urging authorities to release detained activists and address grievances through peaceful negotiations.
5. What is the current situation in Balochistan following the crackdown?
Protests continue in multiple cities, with roadblocks, business shutdowns, and heightened police presence in affected areas.
