Balochistan: BYC Holds Human Rights Day Conference in Quetta

VBMP Postpones Protest Citing Section 144

SHAAL, BALOCHISTAN: The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) successfully held a seminar in Quetta on Tuesday to mark International Human Rights Day, drawing families of the disappeared, human rights defenders, students, and members of civil society.

The event featured human rights reports, dramatic performances, emotional testimonies, and speeches by BYC leadership.

According to BYC, the seminar aimed to shed light on what it describes as the ongoing human rights crisis in Balochistan, calling for accountability, recognition, and sustained collective action. Organizers said the resilience of victims’ families and the solidarity of the community demonstrated a continued commitment to truth and justice.

Meanwhile, the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) had also announced a demonstration outside the Quetta Press Club to coincide with Human Rights Day.

However, the group later postponed its protest, stating that the decision was made solely due to the enforcement of Section 144 and the administration’s refusal to grant permission for the gathering.

In its statement, the VBMP said:

“Due to the enforcement of Section 144 and the administration’s refusal to grant permission for the protest, we announce the postponement of the demonstration organised by VBMP in front of the Quetta Press Club on December 10, on the occasion of International Human Rights Day.”

Despite restrictions on public assembly, the BYC seminar proceeded indoors with a significant turnout. Organisers noted that the participation of families, students and member of general public reflected the Baloch people’s determination to continue raising concerns over human rights conditions in the Balochistan.

BYC described the gathering as a reaffirmation of perseverance, stating that the resolve shown by attendees underscored the ongoing struggle for truth, justice and recognition.

“Today’s gathering was not just an event, it was a reaffirmation of resilience. The courage of the victims’ families, the dedication of the youth, and the solidarity of the community reminded us once again that the struggle for truth and justice continues with unwavering strength.”