ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN – The Baloch Yakjehti Committee’s (BYC) peaceful sit-in demanding an end to enforced disappearances has entered its 12th consecutive day near the National Press Club. Protesters, including elderly women, children, and students, remain steadfast despite Islamabad police erecting barbed-wire barricades and conducting ID checks targeting young Baloch men.
The protest began on June 16, sparked by the arrests of BYC leaders and activists. Since then, participants have faced repeated attempts at intimidation, including denial of shelter, surveillance, and harassment. Organisers claim the state’s actions amount to collective punishment, and warn that any harm to demonstrators will be the responsibility of the authorities.
Former senator Farhatullah Babar and civil society groups have condemned the crackdown and called on the government to acknowledge the issue of missing persons rather than suppress peaceful dissent.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.