Balochistan: Amnesty International Condemns Police Crackdown on Baloch Protesters in Karachi

BW News Desk: Amnesty International has strongly condemned the heavy-handed response by Pakistani police to a peaceful protest in Lyari, Karachi, organized by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) on January 18, 2025. The protest, which was part of a mobilisation campaign, saw the unlawful detention of both women and men participants, violating their fundamental right to peaceful assembly.

According to reports, the women protesters were detained for several hours before being released. However, nine men, including Lala Wahab Baloch, the Central Deputy Organiser of BYC, remain in custody without any formal charges filed against them. Amnesty International described the detentions as arbitrary and a clear breach of international human rights standards.

This crackdown is part of a wider pattern of increasing repression against Baloch activists, as authorities step up efforts to suppress dissent ahead of an upcoming rally planned for January 25, 2025, in Dalbandin, Balochistan.

Amnesty highlighted that criminal cases have already been filed against key leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee as part of this growing campaign of intimidation.

In response to the recent crackdown, Amnesty International called on Pakistani authorities to release all detainees immediately and unconditionally, and to respect the right to protest. The organisation further urged the government to refrain from any further arbitrary detentions, the use of excessive force, or the filing of unjust criminal cases against those participating in peaceful assemblies.

“The actions taken by the Pakistani authorities against peaceful protesters are deeply concerning,” said an Amnesty International spokesperson. “Such heavy-handed tactics not only undermine the fundamental rights of the Baloch people but also violate Pakistan’s obligations under international human rights law to protect the right to freedom of expression and assembly.”

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee, a prominent Baloch rights group, has faced mounting pressure from the government in recent months. As tensions rise, there are concerns that the authorities may continue to target activists ahead of the planned rally in Dalbandin.