Govt take dialogue path with Baloch protestors

The caretaker government on Saturday opened dialogue with Baloch protestors demanding an end to enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings prevalent in their province in order to resolve grievances, expressing willingness to continue the talks.

The government committee, formed by caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, engaged in talks with the Baloch protesters in Islamabad where they have announced a three-day ultimatum for the release of their fellow marchers while staying put for their demands.

The committee, comprising Information Minister Murtaza Solangi and Privatisation Minister Fawad Hassan Fawad, visited the Baloch protest camp to engage with the demonstrators. Besides, Balochistan Governor Malki Wali Kakar was also present during the talks.

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Both parties expressed their willingness to continue the bilateral talks. The meeting took place in an amicable atmosphere, fostering open dialogue and aiming for a harmonious resolution to the grievances articulated by the Baloch demonstrators. Significantly, an agreement was reached during the discussions to continue the ongoing negotiations on the following day.

The committee members engaged in discussions with the protestors in a congenial atmosphere, as reported by the state media, fostering a positive exchange of views between both parties. According to reports, Balochistan governor arrived at the protest camp to show his support and solidarity with the demonstrators. He joined the protest camp to demonstrate his support and offered reassurance and support.

‘Stepmotherly treatment’

Similarly, PPP Senator Farhatullah Babar also joined the camp to stand in solidarity with the demonstrators. Addressing the gathering, he emphasised that the Baloch people are demanding fundamental human rights, often being treated unfairly."

He added, "This stepmotherly treatment towards Balochistan must cease. Any wrongdoing should face legal proceedings; violence and hindrances only breed animosity." Jamaat-e-Islami’s Senator Mushtaq Ahmed also visited the protest camp to show support for the Baloch demonstrators.

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Addressing the media, he highlighted that the use of ‘missing persons’ represents a severe violation of human rights. He expressed concerns that maintaining such an attitude by the state could lead to troubling consequences.

“Islamabad Police's violence against innocent girls and women is condemnable. The Islamabad Inspector General (IG) should step down for launching a crackdown on innocent civilians,” he added. It's pertinent to note that participants of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) are staging their protest in front of the National Press Club, persistently advocating for their demands.

The Baloch demonstrators have set a three-day ultimatum for the state, demanding an immediate release of all detained protestors and the withdrawal of charges against them. Failure to comply would, according to their statement, lead to the demonstrators resorting to severe measures, with the state and its administration being held accountable for the consequences.

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These demands were articulated by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee in a press statement. The committee alleged that despite their rally outside Islamabad’s National Press Club (NPC), over 100 previously detained members had not been presented in court, rendering them "missing."

The protestors continued their demonstration amid a police presence as they pressed for their demands.
Meanwhile, the demonstrators calling for the release of Baloch 'missing persons' have been granted bail by Judicial Magistrate Mureed Abbas of the district and sessions court.

The court approved bail for 162 individuals arrested during the long march, with the approval of sureties against a bail bond of Rs5,000 each. Participants of the march were apprehended by the police two days ago.

Read Baloch Long March: For Life, Liberty, Equality And Justice

The Baloch women-led long march, initiated in Turbat on December 6 following the alleged "extrajudicial killing" of a Baloch youth by Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) officials, arrived in the federal capital on Wednesday.However, the police had barricaded entry points and major routes into the city, aiming to impede the protesters' access to the NPC.

Subsequently, the Islamabad police resorted to forceful tactics, detaining and dispersing demonstrators, leading to the apprehension of over 200 individuals from various areas of the federal capital. The protesters faced the deployment of tear gas, water cannons, and police batons.

These events prompted strong condemnation from human rights organisations, political figures, and analysts, denouncing the use of force against the demonstrators.