Pakistani Forces Threaten Baloch Leaders During Gwadar Protests

The Pakistani defence forces have allegedly issued threats to the leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), warning that they will be shot dead if the sit-in at Gwadar is not ended soon. The Gwadar protest, initially planned as a one-day event on July 28 titled the Baloch National Gathering or the Baloch Raaji Muchi, has now extended to eight days and is facing state violence and brutalities.

A government delegation warned BYC leaders, including Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch, that they would be shot if the protest continued. These threats were made by an officer from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), who has been stationed at the Deputy Commissioner's office in Gwadar to sabotage the protest.

The BYC has demanded that First Information Reports (FIRs) be registered against those who have killed and injured Baloch protestors during the Baloch National Gathering (BNG). They also call for the release of all detained individuals, withdrawal of FIRs against participants, and assurances of no further harassment or detentions, along with the restoration of internet services.

Although authorities have suggested that these demands will be met, recent incidents have intensified tensions. On Friday, security forces in Noshki opened fire on a BYC rally, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. In another incident in Karachi, police detained several BYC protesters, including women, during a demonstration against Pakistan.

Despite the threats, Mahrang Baloch, the central organiser of BYC, declared that protests and sit-ins would continue across Balochistan until their demands are fully implemented.