Islamabad, 22 December, 2023 (GNP): Amid a demonstration by Baloch men, women, and children on the outskirts of Islamabad and the persistent protest outside the National Press Club (NPC) since November 26, events took a turn as police resorted to forceful measures, deploying water cannons and tear gas to disperse the gathering. The crackdown on Friday resulted in the arrest of numerous protesters.
While the Baloch individuals, who came from Balochistan, were apprehended, a faction at the NPC attempting to advance towards the Red Zone faced harsh police action, including severe beatings and deployment and tear gas deployment, resulting in subsequent arrests.
A student from Balochistan, studying in Islamabad, shared his experience with the media, mentioning that he became aware of the police operation against the Baloch protesters while being hospitalized.
The use of water cannons and tear gas led several participants to faint. Some were taken to Polyclinic, while others received medical assistance at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS)
Reports also emerged that police conducted raids on houses of Baloch residents across the city to apprehend relatives of missing persons.
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The Inspector General Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan refuted claims of police mistreatment towards women, contending that those arrested while attempting to enter the Red Zone had covered their faces and did not include women and children. He emphasized the police initially aimed to avoid using force but resorted to it for ‘self-defence.’
Concerns over police action against the Baloch protesters
The incident sparked widespread condemnation from human rights organizations, politicians, and analysts.
The government later confirmed the release of 90% of the detained Baloch protesters, except for those who remained unidentified by the police.
Following the events, Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Aamer Farooq strongly disapproved the actions of the capital city police.
Additionally, President Dr. Arif Alvi and caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar expressed concern over the police action, advocating for a more tempered approach towards the protesters. PM Kakar assured that the detained individuals were being released on personal bonds.
صدر مملکت ڈاکٹر عارف علوی اور نگران وزیر اعظم انوار الحق کاکڑ کا ٹیلی فونک رابطہ
دونوں رہنماؤں کا بلوچ مظاہرین کے خلاف پولیس کے غیر مناسب سلوک پر اظہار تشویش
پولیس کو مظاہرین کے خلاف سختی سے پیش نہیں آنا چاہیے تھا ، دونوں رہنماؤں کی بات چیت
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) December 22, 2023
Balochistan Governor Malik Abdul Wali Khan Kakar, in discussions with President Alvi, underscored the necessity for the police to demonstrate patience and empathy towards protesters, stressing the importance of improving law and order in Balochistan.
