Quetta:In a press conference held at the protest site in Quetta, the Baloch Unity Committee has declared Balochistan a war zone and warned of a media boycott unless Pakistani mainstream media and journalists alter their stance. The committee accused the authorities of imposing a crackdown on their planned national gathering in Gwadar on July 28, following a lockdown initiated on July 20 against the Baloch National Gathering.
The lockdown, which includes an internet blackout across most areas of Makran since July 26, has severely restricted movement, raising concerns over human rights violations. Despite widespread fear and violence, thousands of Baloch residents ventured out peacefully from their homes on July 28 to participate in the Baloch Rally, only to face indiscriminate firing that resulted in casualties, including one fatality and several injuries, some critical.
The committee demanded two main actions: the reopening of all Balochistan highways to allow unrestricted access for rally participants and the immediate release of all detainees arrested from various parts of Balochistan and Karachi. However, their peaceful demonstration was met with violent opposition on the morning of July 29, with security forces attacking unarmed women and children with batons and live ammunition, resulting in multiple injuries.
Amid chaotic scenes, ambulances were denied access to transport the wounded to hospitals, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis. Several peaceful participants were arbitrarily arrested, and vehicles near the protest stage, including a truck used for the rally, were set ablaze. Following these events, homes were raided across Gwadar, resulting in looting and damage to property, including personal vehicles and valuable items, while scores of people, including leaders like National Party’s Ashraf Hussain, were forcibly displaced from their residences.
