Human rights organization Amnesty International has called for an end to the violent crackdown on Baloch protests in Pakistan and demanded the immediate release of the organizers. The organization expressed deep concern over the arrest of leaders and activists, including Sammi Deen Baloch, Sabghatullah Shah, and Dr. Sabiha Baloch, and stated that it reflects the deteriorating civil and political rights in the country.
The tensions escalated after clashes between security forces and participants of the Balochistan Yakjehti Committee (BYC) protest resulted in the death of at least three people and injuries to several others. Despite roadblocks, a large number of people managed to reach Gwadar’s Marine Drive for the Baloch Raji Muchi (Baloch national gathering).
The military reported the death of a soldier and injuries to 16 security personnel during clashes in Gwadar, while BYC leader Dr Mahrang Baloch claimed that hundreds of their supporters had been arrested.
Amnesty International condemned the security forces’ crackdown on the Baloch protests and expressed concern over the suppression of peaceful assemblies, and the restriction of information flow through the shutdown of internet and mobile networks. The organization emphasized that the government is obligated to uphold the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, movement, and peaceful assembly under the Constitution and international human rights law.
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In a separate statement, BYC announced the release of Dr. Sabiha but expressed concern over the whereabouts of Sammi Deen Baloch, Sabghatullah Baloch, and more than 200 participants who were arrested during the Gwadar sit-in. The organization demanded the immediate release of all arrested individuals, the restoration of internet and mobile networks in the region, and the removal of obstructions for their convoys. It warned that failure to address their demands would result in a shutdown of Balochistan for an indefinite period, holding the state and its institutions responsible for any untoward incidents during this time.
