Prominent Baloch activist Dr. Mahrang Baloch has vowed to continue with the Baloch Raaji Muchi despite what she describes as a heavy-handed crackdown by Pakistani forces, which she claims has turned Balochistan into a “military zone.”
Journalist Veengas reported speaking to Dr. Baloch, who said that over 200 Baloch activists have been arrested ahead of the gathering scheduled for Sunday, July 28, in Gwadar. “We will never step back at any cost. Balochistan has been turned into a military zone where no constitution and human rights exist,” she said.
Dr. Baloch emphasized the peaceful nature of the gathering, which is planned to last just a few hours. She mentioned that the group had sought permission from the government for a peaceful assembly, but their democratic demands were ignored. She also accused the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of being involved in the arrests of activists.
Pakistani authorities have imposed an internet blackout, conducted mass arrests, and obstructed convoys heading to Gwadar. On Friday night, several individuals were reportedly detained and transferred to unknown locations.
According to the latest reports received on Saturday, Pakistani forces opened heavy fire in Balochistan’s Mastung to stop a convoy heading to the Baloch Raaji Muchi, resulting in 11 injuries, with two in critical condition.
Additionally, heavy forces were deployed in Quetta’s Sona Khan area, blocking roads with containers to stop a large convoy heading to Gwadar. “The state is attempting to sabotage the Baloch National Gathering,” said the organizers in a statement. “But we clarify that the Baloch Raaji Muchi will be held anyhow and has already been successful.”
At Dasht Kund, a convoy was stopped, but participants managed to overcome barriers, resulting in broken bus windows. Former Supreme Court Bar Association President Ali Ahmed Kurd and other lawyers were stopped by police at Hazarganji in Quetta while en route to the gathering.
Protesters camped near the Talaar checkpost reportedly faced tear gas and batons from Pakistani forces. These participants had been stopped from traveling to Gwadar the previous day and decided to set up camp.
Abdul Ghaffar Baloch, the father of activist Beebow Baloch, reported a raid at their residence. “Police raided our house to arrest Beebow. She was not at home, so they took me instead and later released me. They also arrested my younger brother Abdul Sattar without any reason,” he said.
The situation remains tense as the Baloch Raaji Muchi approaches, with continued crackdowns by Pakistani forces risking escalating tensions and potentially leading to further unrest and violence.