Pakistan human rights groups condemn reports of firing on Baloch protest march

Media reports from Pakistan said that at least 14 Baloch protesters were injured in firing in Mastung on a Baloch protest march heading towards Gwadar.

The Baloch Yakjeti Committee, which had called for the protest march, claimed that several of its workers were seriously injured after security forces opened fire on their convoy.

“Abdul Mutalib Baloch was shot in the head and is in critical condition, he/she has been admitted to ICU. In the brutal massacre in Mastung and other places, many peaceful participants of the Baloch National Assembly were shot dead. This brutal attack on the Baloch people reflects the reality of Baloch genocide. Another participant, Naseer Ahmad son of Saleh was shot dead by the army at Talar checkpoint. his/her dead body is in Turbat civil hospital,” posted by BYC on X.

Although Pakistani authorities have not confirmed the death of any protester, the condition of several is said to be critical.

The Human Rights Committee of Pakistan expressed deep concern over reports of firing and called on the government not to deprive the Baloch of their right to protest.

In a statement, HRCP said, “HRCP is deeply concerned by the situation unfolding in Balochistan, particularly in Gwadar, Mastung and Turbat, as Baloch citizens attempt to gather for the planned Baloch National Assembly. We have received reports of violence against protesters, resulting in injuries, and alleged attempts by state authorities to intimidate them into shutting down the assembly, including the arrest and enforced disappearance of leaders of the Baloch Yakjehzeti Committee.”

“While it is difficult to confirm all such reports given the connectivity blackout in parts of the province, HRCP urgently appeals to the federal and provincial governments to not repeat past mistakes and instead form a high-level parliamentary delegation to meet Baloch representatives and listen carefully to their demands. In any case, as citizens of Pakistan, the protesters should not be denied their constitutional right to peaceful assembly,” the statement said.

However, the Balochistan government has denied issuing any orders to security forces to open fire on the protest march and said its doors are open for talks.

Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said, “Our doors are still open for talks, as the chief minister has said in the policy statement in the assembly, peaceful protest is the right of the people, it is the administration’s right to choose the place under the law. The BYC only wants recognition of its own right and is not ready to recognize the administration’s right.”

Meanwhile, according to the BYC, convoys from Khuzdar, Kalat, Sorab, Chagai, Kharan and Besima left Panjgur for Gwadar late last night. The BYC also said that a sit-in protest was underway in Mastung against the alleged state brutality on the Quetta convoy.

It was further reported that a caravan of Balochs had successfully crossed the barricades put in place following stringent restrictions and were heading towards Gwadar.

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28th July: 10 am

Marine Drive in Gwadar has been completely closed by Pakistani security forces. Security vehicles are patrolling the entire city and army personnel in civilian clothes are seen in hundreds of trucks.#Baloch_National_Assembly #BalochNationalAssembly pic.twitter.com/sOO4QQ3Rca

— meher _baloch (@mi_baloch13) July 28, 2024

A Baloch activist said on X that Marine Drive in Gwadar has been completely blocked by Pakistani security forces. Security vehicles are patrolling across the city, and army personnel in civilian clothes are seen in hundreds of trucks.

However, BYC remains adamant and in its final statement said, “Our struggle is for our survival, they cannot break our resolve. We are protesting because we have no other option left.”