Tensions Rise in Gwadar as Pakistani Army Refuses to Release Baloch Yakjehti Committee Leaders
Tensions in the Port City of Gwadar, Pakistan, continue as the Pakistani defense forces have not released senior leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) amid ongoing Baloch Raaji Muchi protests.
According to the latest statement by the BYC, one of the arrested leaders, Dr. Sabiha Baloch, was released late Tuesday night due to increasing dissent from the protestors. However, the whereabouts of two other Baloch activists, Sammi Deen Baloch and Sabgath Ullah Baloch, remain unknown.
In a post on X, the BYC stated, “Gwadar: Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Dr. Sabiha Baloch has been released today following public pressure and resistance. However, we still have no information about Sammi Deen Baloch and Sabgath Ullah Baloch. They have been out of contact since yesterday morning. Additionally, more than 200 participants have been arrested from the Gwadar sit-in, and we have no information about them either.”
In another statement, the BYC urged all state institutions to unconditionally release the peaceful protesters arrested during the Baloch Raaji Muchi. The statement read, “Finally, we make it clear to the state and all its institutions to immediately release all the arrested colleagues including our leadership without any ifs and buts, restore internet and mobile network throughout Makran including Gwadar and in all areas of Balochistan. Completely remove obstacles in front of all our convoys stopped at gunpoint by force.”
The statement further mentioned, “If the state and its institutions still do not change their terrorist and oppressive behavior, then from today we will shut down the entire Balochistan including Quetta for an indefinite period and if any untoward incident occurs during this period, then all the responsibility will be on the state and its institutions. Through this press conference, we inform BYC workers and Baloch people across Balochistan that peaceful and orderly dharna, protest rallies and wheel jam and shutterdown strikes should be held across Balochistan.”
Responding to the situation, prominent Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir raised his concerns, warning that the arrests of Baloch leaders and protestors will not yield any positive results. In a post on X, the journalist said, “Sammi and Sabiha have always raised their voice against enforced disappearances. Now they are missing. Police is saying they are with FC and FC is not admitting their arrest. Disappearance of their fathers never produced any positive result and disappearance of these women will further harm the state.”
Earlier in the day, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee urged the United Nations and Human Rights Organizations to take note of the peaceful protesters’ arrests by Pakistani forces.
Doubts Revealed
Gwadar -: Gwadar is a port city in Pakistan, located on the southwestern coast. It is known for its strategic importance and is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Pakistani Army -: The Pakistani Army is the land-based military force of Pakistan. It is responsible for defending the country and maintaining internal security.
Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) -: The Baloch Yakjehti Committee is a group that represents the interests of the Baloch people, an ethnic group in Pakistan. They often protest for their rights and better treatment.
Dr. Sabiha Baloch -: Dr. Sabiha Baloch is a leader in the Baloch Yakjehti Committee. She was recently released by the Pakistani army.
Sammi Deen Baloch -: Sammi Deen Baloch is another leader in the Baloch Yakjehti Committee. Her current location is unknown.
Sabgath Ullah Baloch -: Sabgath Ullah Baloch is also a leader in the Baloch Yakjehti Committee. Like Sammi Deen Baloch, his whereabouts are currently unknown.
Hamid Mir -: Hamid Mir is a well-known journalist in Pakistan. He has warned that arresting protesters will not solve the problems in Gwadar.
Protests -: Protests are when people gather to show they are unhappy about something. In Gwadar, people are protesting because they want their leaders released and internet services restored.
Restoration of internet services -: Restoration of internet services means turning the internet back on. The internet was turned off in Gwadar, and people want it back.