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Quetta Shuts Down as BYC Protests Spark Clashes, Arrests
Balochistan observes a shutter-down strike after police crackdown on BYC protesters in Quetta. Reports of casualties, arrests, and mobile service suspensions emerge. PTI, Bar Council condemn police action.
ND
by News Desk
2025-03-22
Quetta Shuts Down as BYC Protests Spark Clashes, Arrests

A province-wide shutter-down strike was observed in Balochistan on Saturday following a call by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a day after police violently dispersed protesters in Quetta demanding action against enforced disappearances.

The protest, held near the University of Balochistan on Sariab Road, was met with tear gas, water cannons, and blank gunfire as police attempted to break up the sit-in. The provincial government and BYC have both claimed casualties, with the activist group reporting three dead and 13 injured, while police say 10 personnel, including a female officer, were wounded.

Province-Wide Strike and Protests

Following Friday’s crackdown, BYC chief organizer Dr. Mahrang Baloch called for a complete shutter-down and wheel-jam strike across Balochistan. “We are shutting down the entire province against state violence,” she announced in a statement.

The strike saw widespread participation, with businesses closed and roads blocked in Chagai, Dalbandin, Khuzdar, Washuk, Surab, and several other districts. Protests erupted in Mastung, Dera Murad Jamali, and Turbat, where demonstrators set tires ablaze to block major roads. Reports also emerged of unidentified men on motorcycles firing at protest monitors in Malikabad, injuring two children.

Mobile services have remained suspended in Quetta since Friday night, with data services down since Thursday, though no official notification has been issued regarding the shutdown.

Arrests and Alleged Seizure of Bodies

The BYC claimed that security forces carried out a pre-dawn raid on Saturday, arresting Dr. Mahrang Baloch and several other protesters. The organization also accused authorities of forcibly seizing the bodies of those allegedly killed during Friday’s police action.

“Baloch women, children, and peaceful protesters were subjected to extreme violence,” the BYC stated on X (formerly Twitter), sharing footage of police using batons and dragging women protesters.

The protests initially began in response to the alleged enforced disappearances of BYC members, including Bebarg Baloch and his brother Hammal. The BYC is demanding their immediate release, along with other missing persons, including activist Dr. Ilyas and a woman named Saeeda.

Demands for Justice and Political Reactions

The BYC has issued several demands, including:

  • The unconditional release of all arrested protesters.
  • The registration of an FIR against the Balochistan chief minister and police chief for ordering the crackdown.
  • The dismissal of the Quetta commissioner and his deputy.
  • An immediate end to retaliatory actions against Baloch activists.

The Balochistan Bar Council condemned the police action, announcing a boycott of court proceedings and calling for the government to cover the medical expenses of injured protesters. The council labeled the crackdown as a “gross human rights violation” and accused the provincial government of acting like a dictatorship.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also strongly condemned the “brutal use of force against peaceful protesters.” In a statement, PTI’s Information Secretary Sheikh Waqqas Akram said the government had “crossed all boundaries of brutality” and demanded that missing persons be presented in court rather than being forcibly disappeared.

“This oppressive regime’s actions will only worsen the already volatile situation,” PTI warned, urging authorities to address the grievances of the Baloch people instead of resorting to force.
Tagged:

HumanRights

BalochistanProtests

QuettaShutdown

BYC
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