The Baloch Students Action Committee (BSAC) expressed strong disapproval of the Pakistani police raid on a protest by the Balochistan Grand Alliance in Quetta. The violence and subsequent arrests of teachers, professors, and other professionals were labeled as “extremely alarming” by the BSAC.
Dozens of government employees were arrested in Quetta after police blocked a planned sit-in at the city’s Red Zone. The workers had gathered to push for the implementation of the Disparity Reduction Allowance.
The BSAC criticized the police for disrespecting a professor by dragging him on the street and arresting him. The student body highlighted that in Balochistan, peaceful advocacy for rights is being treated as a crime, leading to unjust punishments for innocent individuals.
The BSAC demanded a transparent investigation and severe punishment for all officials involved in the violent crackdown. The Pakistani authorities suspended mobile internet services in Quetta and nearby areas during the protest, causing significant disruptions.
Government employees from various regions of Balochistan had converged in Quetta for the sit-in following a call by the alliance of workers’ organizations. However, the district administration blocked entry points and sealed the Red Zone to prevent protesters from entering, leading to arrests and further tensions.
The arrest of the government employees prompted the Balochistan Grand Alliance to announce a “jail bharo” (fill the jails) campaign. The province has witnessed protests by public sector employees, with concerns raised by human rights organizations over the harsh response by Pakistani authorities.
