Tragic Outcome: Three Dead, Multiple Injured in Escalating Balochistan Protest
Gwadar and other parts of Balochistan have been rocked by violence following a protest organized by the Balochistan Yakjehti Committee (BYC) on Sunday. The clash between demonstrators and security forces resulted in at least three deaths and several injuries.
A Chaotic Scene
The protest, part of the Baloch Rajee Muchi (Baloch National Gathering), saw thousands of people converging on Gwadar’s Marine Drive despite roadblocks and heightened security. Tensions escalated when security forces clashed with protesters at the Talar check-post, resulting in two deaths and injuries. According to officials, security forces were defending themselves from a mob that allegedly attacked the checkpoint.
Further violence broke out on Marine Drive when authorities used teargas to disperse the crowd, leading to one more death and eight injuries. Around 20 people were arrested during these confrontations.
Gwadar’s health authorities confirmed the fatalities and injuries, stating that three bodies and eight injured individuals were brought to the hospital, with two of the injured transferred to Turbat.
Continued Unrest and Defiant Stand
Despite the crackdown, BYC leader Dr. Mahrang Baloch vowed to continue the protest until their demands are met. She condemned the violence and called for the release of the detained protesters. Dr. Baloch emphasized that the sit-in at Marine Drive would persist until justice is served for those who lost their lives and until their comrades are freed.
Disruptions Across Balochistan
The unrest has brought life in southern Balochistan to a standstill. Roads and highways leading to Gwadar were blocked, including the Quetta-Karachi highway. In Mastung, a sit-in protesting a recent attack on a convoy added to the disruptions, resulting in 14 injuries.
A shutter-down strike was observed in multiple towns, including Mastung, Kalat, Noshki, Khuzdar, Dalbandin, Awaran, Lasbela, Chagai, Nokundi, Gwadar, Turbat, and Pasni. BYC activists also staged sit-ins at several key locations along highways and inter-provincial roads, and security forces were heavily deployed in Quetta.
Political and Human Rights Reactions
Political leaders from the Balochistan National Party (BNP-Mengal) and the National Party have condemned the use of force against peaceful protesters. BNP leader Sajid Tareen Advocate announced their party’s support for the protests, highlighting ongoing issues such as the lack of potable water in Gwadar. He accused the government of marginalizing the Baloch and Pashtun communities, fueling unrest.
National Party leaders Aslam Baloch and Kalsoom Niaz Baloch blamed the Balochistan government, led by Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, for the instability and alleged that the situation is being deliberately worsened by the “puppet government.”
In a related call, Amnesty International urged Pakistani authorities to lift the internet blackout and roadblockades, stressing the importance of allowing peaceful protests and free movement for demonstrators.
The situation in Gwadar and Balochistan remains tense as both sides brace for further developments in the ongoing conflict.