By 
13-11-24
Zara Ahmed
Team Pakistan Researcher,
Global Human Rights Defence.
Police in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan cracked down on a sit-in held by students. Authorities reportedly raided Bolan Medical College (BMC) and arrested several students. Balochistan has long faced an insurgency, with locals alleging systemic deprivation and discrimination against the Baloch community.
On November 12th, police used batons and fired tear gas at the students, detaining at least 200 who were participating in the sit-in. According to local Baloch social media accounts, the sit-in was organised to discuss issues with a group of Pashtun students when police stormed their peaceful gathering. Videos circulating on social media showed students affected by tear gas, with police chasing protesters and clashing with them.
The Balochistan Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a prominent local organisation, condemned the crackdown and stated that students have been warned to evacuate college hostels despite upcoming exams. “The BYC condemns this grave injustice and demands the release of all detained students. Furthermore, the immediate evacuation of hostels must stop immediately,” it added. Leading human rights activist Mahrang Baloch also condemned the crackdown, calling for Quetta police to “be held accountable for their violent and illegal actions.” Baloch rights activists have consistently highlighted the ongoing abduction and harassment of students by security agencies from educational institutions without any formal charges.
Human rights violations in Balochistan often go unnoticed by the mainstream media, reportedly due to censorship of anti-establishment narratives. In July, Amnesty International called on Pakistani authorities to end punitive crackdowns in the province, stating, “Every time Baloch protests take place, their demands are met with violence by security forces and mass arrests.”
Sources and further readings:
Riaz Baloch (@Itsbaloch_). “Quetta Police Attacked BMC hostel and other residential flats where Baloch students are living. (Police) dragged baton charged and illegally arrested several students. multiple students got injured among them few are girls students. Meanwhile students are protesting for the release of their classmates. Quetta Police crackdown still continues.” [Tweet on X]. Nov 12, 2024. https://x.com/Itsbaloch_/status/1856382374214295634?t=HgRFcVaKP4SvDzug7Epzfg&s=08 Accessed Nov 13, 2024.
Baloch Yakjehti Committee (@BalochYakejhtiC). “The BYC condemns this grave injustice and demands the release of all detained students. Furthermore, the forceful evacuation of hostels must stop immediately.” [Tweet on X]. Nov 13, 2024. https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1856674342148415504?t=PguwxuqNBHJzNph7NDjvwQ&s=08 Accessed Nov 13, 2024.
Mahrang Baloch (@MahrangBaloch_). “Baloch students are facing continues violence and harassment by the government. Last night, Quetta police raided the BMC hostel, beating male and female students and arresting over 100 male students . All detained students must be released, and Quetta police must be held accountable for their violent and illegal actions.” [Tweet on X]. Nov 13, 2024.
https://x.com/MahrangBaloch_/status/1856642275192996315?t=7DgkNnkGhBOG_jbMg2zmsw&s=08 Accessed Nov 13, 2024.
“Pakistan: Repeated punitive crackdowns on Baloch protests must end.” Amnesty International. July 30, 2024. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/07/pakistan-repeated-punitive-crackdowns-on-baloch-protests-must-end/Accessed Nov 13, 2024.
Sohail, Alifya. “Digital screams: Women on the frontline of enforced disappearances.” Dawn. Sept 3, 2024. https://www.dawn.com/news/1855744 Accessed Nov 13, 2024.
Shahi, Salman Muhammad. “The Long History of Enforced Disappearances in Balochistan.” The Diplomat. Jan 4, 2024.
https://thediplomat.com/2024/01/the-long-history-of-enforced-disappearances-in-balochistan/ Accessed Nov 13, 2024.
Comments