A significant protest took place in Turbat against the escalating crime and lawlessness in Kech district, Balochistan. Organized by various groups including All Parties Kech, traders’ association, doctors’ associations, and civil society organizations, the rally drew hundreds of participants. The protest, which started at Apsar Bazaar and culminated at Shaheed Fida Chowk, highlighted the alarming law and order situation in Kech.
Former Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Malik Baloch, addressing the demonstrators, emphasized the urgent need for state institutions to secure the safe return of abducted youths, Haseeb Haji Yaseen and Shah Nawaz Gul Jan. He called on authorities to fulfill their duties in safeguarding the populace, noting the families’ and political leaders’ persistent appeals to various institutions over the past month.
Nawab Khan Shambizai, the convener of All Parties Kech, expressed deep concern over the disturbing trend of kidnapping for ransom incidents and threatened a shutdown strike on January 7 if the abducted youths were not promptly rescued. Kech Bar Association President Advocate Syed Majeed Shah condemned the kidnappings in the region, leading to a boycott of court proceedings by the bar association. Former Senator Ismail Buledi highlighted the pervasive insecurity in Kech and the broader Makran region, affecting businesses and livelihoods.
Leaders including BNP Awami central vice president Zareef Zadag, BNP leader Ghafoor Baloch, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Kech leader Maulana Abdul Hafeez Mengal also voiced their concerns during the protest. Meanwhile, in a separate incident on Monday, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack in Panjgur district resulted in one fatality and 16 injuries, with three individuals in critical condition.
