Syed Ali Shah, Behram Baloch, Abdullah Lehri:
QUETTA: The Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC) has called for widespread protests throughout Balochistan following the arrest of several members in Gwadar and allegations of excessive force by security forces.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti addressed the provincial assembly, characterizing the protests as an attempt to undermine the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. He claimed that efforts to destabilize Gwadar had failed and announced that the situation had been brought under control. “We are ready to hold negotiations to find an amicable solution to the protest,” Mir Sarfraz Bugti stated during the assembly session.
“We Are Ready To Hold Negotiations”, Sarfaraz Bugti
Dr. Mahrang Baloch, leader of the Baloch Unity Committee, reported a tense situation in Gwadar, with communication networks down. Dr. Baloch, who had converted a rally into a sit-in, expressed concern over the unknown status of those arrested and reports indicating that the bodies of deceased protesters were being held in hospitals without public access.
A key meeting chaired by Balochistan Home Minister Ziaullah Langove, and attended by officials including DIG Naseerabad Range Ayaz Baloch, ADC Gwadar Sarabland Khosa, and AC Gwadar Jawad Zehri, concluded with statements asserting that law enforcement had successfully managed the situation, resulting in the arrest of more than 20 individuals.
Sibghatullah Shahji, Sami Deen Baloch Arrested
The Baloch Solidarity Committee, whose leaders Sibghatullah Shahji, Sami Deen Baloch, and Dr. Saliha were reportedly detained, has not yet received official updates on their status. Dr. Mahrang Baloch has called for support from human rights organizations against what she termed a “planned action,” advocating for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
During the assembly session, Member Provincial Assembly (MPA) from Gwadar, Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman, called for dialogue with the protesters and condemned all forms of violence. He expressed frustration, stating, “I am an elected MPA from Gwadar, but the government has not bothered to consult me regarding the protest.”
Security Tight In Gwadar
Government and law enforcement officials emphasize their openness to negotiations while maintaining their commitment to ensuring national security and public order.
