BYC denounces terror, seeks dialogue

Leader says group submits to Constitution, respects all state institutions

KARACHI:

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) on Thursday reiterated its commitment to a peaceful and democratic struggle, urging both the federal and Balochistan governments to initiate dialogue within the constitutional framework to address the longstanding grievances of the Baloch people.

Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, BYC central leader Sammi Deen Baloch said her organisation believes in lawful and nonviolent means of protest and has no affiliation with any terrorist activity.

"We submit to the Constitution of Pakistan and recognise the state and its institutions," she said. "The BYC is a peaceful political movement, and we are open to dialogue with the federal government, the Balochistan government, or any legitimate representative of the state."

Sammi Deen demanded the immediate release of detained political activists and stressed the urgent need for a resolution to the issue of missing persons, which she described as a humanitarian crisis.

She also launched the BYC's biannual human rights report, covering the period from January to June 2025, which alleges that 752 individuals were forcibly disappeared across Balochistan in the first half of the year. Of these, 181 were later released, the report claims.

Highlighting another grave concern, she condemned a recent case of honour killing in Balochistan that drew widespread outrage after a video of the incident circulated on social media. "Such tragedies are common in the province but often go unreported," she said. "These crimes persist because of a systemic failure. If the state stops the patronage of tribal chieftains, such incidents can be prevented."

The BYC leader called on civil society, human rights organisations, and the media to raise their voices for justice, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights in Balochistan.