Quetta
In Kohlu, a significant gathering of political activists, human rights advocates, and members of civil society, along with Balaach Mola Bakhsh’s family, staged a complete strike in protest against his alleged extrajudicial killing, as reported by the media. The Baloch Yakjehti Council (BYC) had called for the strike, prompting hundreds to embark on a journey from Quetta to Islamabad. The BYC leaders, aiming to stage a protest at the Supreme Court building, faced obstacles from local authorities and security forces in entering Balochistan’s capital. Stringent security measures, including a heavy law enforcement presence and road blockades with trucks and hurdles, were implemented to restrict access to the area. Following the culmination of their protest in Quetta, the demonstrators proceeded to Islamabad via Kohlu-Barkhan and Dera Ghazi Khan on Friday evening. In Kohlu, a multitude of people joined the march to express solidarity with Bakhsh’s family. Markets, bazaars, and business centers remained closed, contributing to sparse traffic. Addressing the gathering in Kohlu town before moving to Barkhan, leaders emphasized that enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings were unconstitutional, infringing on basic human rights. They asserted that such incidents fueled the Baloch people’s just struggle against oppression. The leaders deplored the victimization of youth by the Counter-Terrorism Department of Police and urged the state to cease unconstitutional practices, granting the Baloch people the right to live autonomously and exercise authority over their land and resources.
