Balochistan: Bolan Medical College Students Issue Ultimatum After 27 Days of Protest

QUETTA: After 27 days of continuous peaceful protests, student organisations in Balochistan have issued a three-day ultimatum to the provincial government and Bolan Medical College (BMC) administration to address their demands. 

If the demands are ignored, the protesters have announced plans to relocate their protest to the Red Zone, holding the government and administration responsible for any consequences.

The ongoing sit-in began in response to the forced closure of Bolan Medical College and the police occupation of student hostels. Despite enduring the harsh winter in Quetta, students have received no response or engagement from the provincial government or college authorities.

The protesters are demanding the immediate reopening of the college and hostels, an end to the militarisation of educational institutions, and the restoration of BMC. They said that these demands are constitutional and legitimate, emphasising the detrimental impact of the prolonged closures on students’ academic schedules and overall well-being.

In a press conference, student leaders highlighted that the closure of educational institutions, including Balochistan University, Agriculture University, and private hostels, under the pretext of repairs, has led to increased profiling, harassment, and enforced disappearances of students. They voiced concerns that the militarisation of campuses is eroding students’ rights and limiting their access to education.

The protesters maintained that their movement has remained peaceful throughout the 27 days of demonstrations. However, they warned that if their demands are not addressed within three days, they would be forced to move their protest to the Balochistan Secretariat (Red Zone), a step they affirmed as their democratic and constitutional right.

Student organisations have also called on the people of Balochistan to support their movement, urging collective resistance against the militarisation of educational institutions and the disruption of students’ academic futures.

As the ultimatum nears its deadline, the government and the administration of the aforementioned institutions have yet to respond to the students’ demands.