Daily Times

The Islamabad police on Sunday said that detained Baloch protesters, who were taken into custody during a crackdown on demonstration demanding an end to enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings, were being released after their bail was approved.

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), the main organiser of the long march, delivered a three-day ultimatum to authorities. Their demands included the dismissal of cases against students and activists and the release of all protesters. The march initiated in Turbat on December 6 following the alleged extra-judicial killing of a Baloch youth, reached the federal capital on Wednesday. The Islamabad police’s use of force to disperse and detain the demonstrators, with over 200 taken into custody, drew widespread condemnation from human rights organisations, politicians, the Islamabad High Court (IHC), and even the highest offices, including President Dr. Arif Alvi and caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar.

A judicial magistrate had granted bail to 162 participants, though conflicting accounts from protesters and BYC claimed that the release was cancelled despite bail approval. On Sunday, Islamabad police officially announced the approval of bail for the arrested protesters. The police statement stated, “Keeping in view the legal requirements, the bail of the arrested protesters has been approved. The detained protesters are being released.” Relatives of the detainees were urged to contact the police for information and legal assistance.

Earlier negotiations between the caretaker government and the protesters, as highlighted by Interior Secretary Aftab Akbar Durrani, emphasised the right to peaceful protests. Durrani stated, “We have ensured, on the orders of the prime minister, that no protesters are harmed, tortured, or harassed in any way,” while also reiterating that the rule of law would be upheld. As the BYC’s movement entered its 31st day with a sit-in outside the National Press Club, concerns rose over the “missing” status of over 100 Baloch students. Mahrang Baloch, a long march organiser, warned that unless these students were released and FIRs against peaceful protestors withdrawn, the movement would take harsh steps, holding the state responsible. PPP Senator Raza Rabbani condemned the “high-handed and ruthless manner” in which the Islamabad police handled the long marchers. He emphasised the need to address the economic and political rights of the people of Balochistan and called for a Senate dialogue to resolve issues within the constitutional framework.

The BYC issued a charter of demands, seeking a UN-led fact-finding mission and accountability for alleged rights violations. Their demands included acknowledgement by CTD Balochistan of the “fake encounter” of Balach Mola Baksh and the recovery of all missing Baloch persons. The charter also called for the abolition of the CTD and “death squads” in the province, demanding a press conference from the interior ministry to confess alleged killings in “fake encounters.” The protesters vowed to persist until their demands were met. The caretaker government on Saturday opened dialogue with Baloch protestors demanding an end to enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings prevalent in their province in order to resolve grievances, expressing willingness to continue the talks. The committee, comprising Information Minister Murtaza Solangi and Privatisation Minister Fawad Hassan Fawad, visited the Baloch protest camp to engage with the demonstrators. Besides, Balochistan Governor Malki Wali Kakar was also present during the talks.

Both parties expressed their willingness to continue the bilateral talks. The meeting took place in an amicable atmosphere, fostering open dialogue and aiming for a harmonious resolution to the grievances articulated by the Baloch demonstrators. Significantly, an agreement was reached during the discussions to continue the ongoing negotiations on the following day.

The committee members engaged in discussions with the protestors in a congenial atmosphere, as reported by the state media, fostering a positive exchange of views between both parties. According to reports, the Balochistan governor arrived at the protest camp to show his support and solidarity with the demonstrators. He joined the protest camp to demonstrate his support and offered reassurance and support. Similarly, PPP Senator Farhatullah Babar also joined the camp to stand in solidarity with the demonstrators. Addressing the gathering, he emphasised that the Baloch people are demanding fundamental human rights, often being treated unfairly.”