Human Rights Watch (HRW) stated on Wednesday that the Pakistan government should exercise restraint in dealing with ongoing protests in the province of Balochistan. The organization further called for the release of all individuals arrested for peaceful protesting and demanded the restoration of internet access in the region.
On July 28th, conflict erupted in Balochistan when 14 supporters of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) were shot and injured in Mastung as they were en route to a rally concerning enforced disappearances in Gwadar. BYC leader Bebarg Baloch alleged that supporters were specifically targeted by security forces, an allegation denied by authorities.
The shooting incited further protests which turned violent, resulting in three deaths. Security forces used teargas and set up numerous roadblocks in attempts to disperse the protestors. Despite the violent response, BYC leader Dr. Mahrang Baloch vowed to persist with the struggle. BYC also garnered support from other political entities, such as the Balochistan National Party (BNP-Mengal) and the National Party.
As of Monday, tensions remained high with protestors continuing their sit-ins in Gwadar despite the roadblocks and a communications blackout enforced by the authorities. While security forces claimed that 16 of their personnel died in the preceding clashes, BYC asserted that hundreds of its supporters had been arrested. Police began a crackdown to disperse the remaining protestors and have been accused of using excessive force.
Human Rights Watch has accused the authorities’ response to the protests of violating international human rights law and contravening the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.
Balochistan has been plagued by a violent insurgency for two decades, marked by allegations of enforced disappearances and bodies disposed along roadsides. According to the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, there have been nearly 9,000 cases across Pakistan since its inception in 2011, with over 2,000 still pending. Baloch national organizations, however, contest these figures, claiming the real number of cases to be around 23,000.
Patricia Gossman, the associate Asia director at Human Rights Watch, underscored the importance of non-violent measures, stating, “It’s vitally important for the authorities to protect protesters’ rights while preventing the situation in Balochistan from spiraling out of control.”