National Party Condemns Crackdown on Protesters in Balochistan

Turbat: The Provincial Spokesperson of the National Party has strongly condemned the use of force by security forces, under the orders of the Balochistan government, against the family members of missing persons who have been staging protests on national highways. The spokesperson condemned the violence, including baton charges, and the mistreatment of children, women, the elderly, and young people, calling these actions unjust and inhumane.

The spokesperson reiterated the National Party’s stance that the issue of Balochistan is a political matter that can be resolved through dialogue, but the state has persistently demonstrated stubbornness by appointing unelected representatives through Form 47 to the assemblies. These individuals, often referred to as “war profiteers” and “paid patriots,” have repeatedly used force to try to resolve the issue of missing persons, including violence against their families, in a bid to maintain control. As a result, the whole of Balochistan is in turmoil, with thousands of women, children, the elderly, and young people still protesting on the streets during the holy month of Ramadan, demanding the return of their missing loved ones.

On the other hand, the government continues to harass the protestors under the guise of Section 144, attempting to intimidate the family members of the missing persons. It is clear that the issue will not be resolved until the missing persons are brought forward, and it is essential to bring them into the public eye without using force. If they are accused of any crimes, they should be presented in court.

The spokesperson also appealed to the Supreme Court of Pakistan and all human rights organizations to take notice of the situation in Balochistan. The National Party has urged the Supreme Court to take suo-motu notice of the issue of missing persons, considering it a human rights issue, and direct the authorities to resolve it immediately.

The spokesperson made it clear that the National Party stands in solidarity with the families of the missing persons and strongly condemns the violence they are facing at the hands of state institutions. The party calls for the immediate release of all detained women and youth and demands that the missing persons be recovered.