In a recent update, Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior revealed on Monday that 290 Baloch activists, arrested amid their attempts to protest against forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, have been released by the police. This move comes after last week’s incidents in Islamabad that saw a significant number of activists taking a stand against these human rights violations. The announcement was made via their official social media account.
About 200 of these activists had travelled over 1,600 kilometers from Balochistan, Pakistan to reach the capital city, Islamabad. Their aim was to protest the death of Balaach Mola Bakhsh, who tragically died in November while under police’s detention in Balochistan. This news regarding Bakhsh’s death had sparked widespread criticism from various quarters. In an attempt to disperse the protesters, the Pakistani police used water canons and batons and those detained were taken to the police stations. Reports suggest that these protesters were arrested during this process.
In response to the heavy-handed tactics deployed by the police, human rights organizations have condemned their actions vehemently. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan especially voiced their concerns publicly over the issue. They wrote on their official social media account criticizing the violent crackdown and the treatment of these Baloch citizens who were peacefully exercising their constitutional rights.
Notably, Amnesty International South Asia also expressed their deep concern over the force used against Baloch activists in Islamabad. In a statement, Amnesty urged the Pakistani government to immediately release all activists and initiate investigations into the alleged disappearances and extrajudicial killings. The same organization had previously called on the government to cease the detentions, deportations and harassment of Afghan refugees on November 10.
The full report, which includes more details about the incident and follow-up actions by human rights bodies, is available on the JURIST’s website.