ISLAMABAD: Baloch protesters who have been staging a dharna outside the National Press Club (NPC) in Islamabad since December ended their sit-in on Tuesday.
The decision followed a letter from the NPC to the Islamabad Police requesting the removal of the Baloch rights camp, which was later withdrawn after facing widespread criticism, including from journalists.
Protesters organized by the Baloch Solidarity Committee started a dharna on December 22, which continued despite inclement weather. Furthermore, he accused the police of harassing his supporters, profiling them and filing a First Information Report against him.
In its letter to the Islamabad Police, the NPC urged for a plan to relocate the protesters to minimize inconvenience to the Press Club, residents and the business community. The letter highlighted that the club’s primary source of income, press conferences and seminars, had been disrupted by sit-ins and related security issues, affecting both club members and the local community.
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In response, protest leader Dr. Mehring Baloch expressed frustration and stressed the media community’s responsibility to support those whose voices are marginalized. They reported harassment, intimidation and disinformation, stating that there was an alleged threat surrounding the Press Club area.
During a press conference, Mehring called the NPC’s letter a “stain” on journalism and said the protesters would return to Balochistan the next day. He clarified that his position is not against the state.
