HDP Condemns Brutal Arrest of Employees, Compares Police Action to Treatment of Hardened Criminals

**Quetta:** The Hazara Democratic Party (HDP) has strongly condemned the arrest of employees belonging to the Balochistan Grand Alliance, terming the police and law enforcement action as brutal and inhumane.

In a central statement, the party said that the Grand Alliance intended to stage a peaceful protest and sit-in to press for its legitimate demands, but the imposed provincial government panicked and resorted to extreme measures to suppress the protest. The HDP alleged that internet data services were completely shut down across Quetta, disrupting communication throughout the city.

The statement said that police and law enforcement personnel arrested employees in a manner so cruel and oppressive that even habitual criminals are not treated in such a way. Despite the city being sealed with containers, thousands of male and female employees attempted to protest, prompting the authorities to turn Quetta into what the party described as a “police state.”

According to the statement, overnight raids were conducted at hotels and residences of government employees in an effort to derail the protest. However, the employees remained resolute and managed to stage a strong demonstration despite the crackdown.

The HDP expressed regret that the so-called provincial government is addressing all issues through coercion and repression, claiming that no matter of public importance has been handled in accordance with the will and opinion of the people. The party further criticized the government’s legitimacy, stating that it lacked even candidates during the local government elections and had to rely on alliances and independent candidates.

The statement demanded the immediate release of all arrested employees and the acceptance of their demands without delay.