Balochistan: Police Open Fire on Protesters Demanding Activists’ Release
In a shocking escalation of state violence, police in Pakistan’s Balochistan province and Baloch-majority Karachi opened live fire on protesters demanding the release of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders, including prominent activist Dr. Mahrang Baloch.
Massive rallies erupted across cities like Dalbandin, Kalat, Mastung, Gwadar, Quetta, Hub Chowki, and Turbat after the BYC issued a call to action. Demonstrations, led predominantly by women, demanded justice for those detained and accountability for enforced disappearances.
However, the peaceful protests were met with brutal force. In Malir, Karachi, security forces fired live ammunition into the crowd, escalating tensions and leaving the nation in shock. Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes as protesters scrambled for safety amidst gunfire.
The crackdown followed the 22 March arrest of Dr. Mahrang Baloch during a sit-in in Quetta, where police also reportedly seized the bodies of three young protesters killed during clashes. These actions have fueled public outrage, amplifying calls for justice and accountability.
The use of live ammunition and state violence against unarmed civilians has drawn condemnation from human rights organizations and sparked international concern. Protesters remain defiant, with more demonstrations planned despite the escalating risks.
Global Outrage Grows
The events have triggered widespread condemnation, with human rights advocates accusing the Pakistani government of silencing dissent through violent repression. The situation continues to develop, with international observers urging an immediate halt to the use of excessive force and the release of detained activists.
