Karachi police have forcefully dispersed a peaceful protest organized by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) outside the Karachi Press Club, using baton charges and making several arrests, according to the group.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the BYC said several members, including Deputy Organizer Abdul Wahab Baloch, were subjected to violence during the police crackdown. Wahab Baloch, along with four other protesters, was arrested and is currently being held at the Artillery Maidan police station in Saddar, Karachi.
“The intense crackdown against peaceful protestors continues, with BYC activists and civil society members being beaten and dragged just for exercising their fundamental right to public assembly and peaceful protest.” the BYC stated, condemning the police’s actions.
The group called on civil society to raise its voice against what it described as a violation of the fundamental right to peaceful assembly.
Protest Against Enforced Disappearances
The protest was organized in response to a rise in enforced disappearances across Balochistan, where around 60 people have reportedly been forcibly disappeared in October alone. The BYC had launched the demonstration under the banner “Breaking the Silence: Standing Against Enforced Disappearances.”
According to the BYC, enforced disappearances have surged across major cities, including Karachi and Lahore, as well as several districts in Balochistan, such as Dera Bugti, Nushki, Kalat, Turbat, and Panjgur. The group claims that students have been particularly targeted in this wave of disappearances.
Despite the police action, the BYC vowed to continue its protest campaign, calling on human rights organizations and the public to join their efforts. “We will not be silenced by these tactics,” the group said.
Condemnation of Arrests and Use of Force
In a post on X, Sammi Deen Baloch, General Secretary of the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons, condemned the arrests and accused police of targeting Baloch protesters, including women.
“Lala Wahab Baloch and several others were brutally arrested and taken to an undisclosed location,” she wrote. “The police used batons against us, including Baloch women, while hurling insults and abusive language.”
Sammi Deen also criticized Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, saying, “Bilawal Bhutto is acting worse than a dictator when it comes to the Baloch.”
Baloch activist Dr. Mahrang Baloch also condemned the violent crackdown, accusing Pakistan’s intelligence agencies and the Sindh police of suppressing free speech and peaceful protest.
“Once again, Pakistan’s intelligence agencies, the Sindh police, and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) government have resorted to violence, arresting Deputy Organizer of BYC Lala Wahab Baloch along with other protesters in Karachi to suppress a peaceful demonstration against enforced disappearances organized by the BYC,” Dr. Baloch posted on X.
“This crackdown on freedom of expression represents the worst form of authoritarianism. In recent weeks, dozens of Baloch individuals, particularly young students, have been forcibly disappeared, while voices speaking out against human rights violations are being systematically silenced. Human rights organizations must not ignore this oppressive assault on civil liberties,” she added.
Activist and academic Nida Kirmani also voiced her concerns on X, posting, “The Sindh police are once again brutalizing peaceful protesters who are organizing against enforced disappearances,” referencing a video showing the arrest of BYC Karachi coordinator Lala Wahab Baloch. She added, “What can one even say at this point to our ‘flag bearers of democracy’?”
Human rights organization Baloch Voice for Justice also condemned the police crackdown. “Baloch Voice for Justice strongly condemns the unlawful arrest of Deputy Organizer Lala Wahab Baloch, along with Saif, Babu Imtiaz, Aftab, and Attaullah. Such actions by the state are blatant attempts to silence dissent and further oppress the Baloch,” the group said in a statement.
Baloch National Movement’s (BNM) human rights wing, Paank, expressed strong disapproval of the police action in Karachi. “Paank strongly condemns the violent attack by Pakistani forces on peaceful Baloch protesters in Karachi. The illegal detention of Lala Wahab, Saif, Babu Imtiaz, Aftab, and Ataullah is an unacceptable violation of human rights,” Paank said in a statement. “We demand their immediate release and an end to enforced disappearances in Balochistan.”