Islamabad Protest grows stronger; strikes and sit-ins will be launched across Pakistan – BYC

The leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, addressing a press conference in Islamabad today, emphasized that the 41st day of their movement against Baloch Genocide has been marked by peaceful demonstrations. For the past 12 days, the National Press Club in Islamabad has been the site of their protest sit-ins. The leaders expressed gratitude to journalists, portraying them as lifelong witnesses to their non-violent long march through Balochistan and subsequent events in Islamabad.

Despite facing police aggression, arrests, and imprisonment for three days in the Islamabad, the committee highlighted their commitment to a peaceful struggle. They perceived the use of water cannons and batons during the cold nights as a manifestation of the state’s hostility towards the Baloch people. Undeterred by the adversities, the committee continued their peaceful sit-in outside the Islamabad Press Club after their release.

The leaders announced that the twelfth day of their sit-in was underway, joined by over a hundred families of enforced disappearance victims and those affected by extrajudicial killings. They lamented the lack of responsiveness from the state, citing a seven-day ultimatum for negotiations that went unanswered. The committee accused the state of irresponsible and fascist behavior, highlighting incidents of violence, threats, and confiscation of their sound system.
The core demands presented by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee include the deployment of a fact-finding mission by the United Nations to investigate human rights abuses and Baloch genocide in Balochistan. They underscored the need for an agreement to cease extrajudicial killings. Responding to attempts to create confusion about their demands, the committee justified their plea to the UN, given the alleged direct involvement of the army and intelligence agencies in Balochistan’s human rights violations over the past 75 years.

Addressing the failure of previous institutional interventions, the leaders questioned the role of Parliament, Judiciary, and Administration in preventing human rights abuses. Expressing frustration with the state’s unchanging behavior, they argued that appealing to the UN was their last resort, aligning with Pakistan’s membership and commitment to the UN Human Rights Charter.

The committee accused the state of maintaining a violent stance throughout their long march, citing fake FIRs, harassment of supporters, and suspension of civil servants who participated. They deplored the arrest of Pashtun leader Manzoor Ahmad Pashteen, highlighting a pattern of suppression against those expressing solidarity.
Criticism was directed at the caretaker prime minister for derogatory remarks, insults, and threats towards the participants and journalists covering their sit-in. The leaders condemned the aggressive behavior of Islamabad Police and profiling of participants, expressing concern for their safety.

As the seven-day ultimatum concluded, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee announced the initiation of the third phase of their movement. While continuing the sit-in in front of the Islamabad Press Club, they planned to expand protests, strikes, and sit-ins nationwide, including Balochistan. Additionally, they mentioned the possibility of relocating their sit-in to the United Nations Islamabad Office if the state’s behavior persisted.

The committee reiterated their willingness to negotiate with the state but called for a change in the state’s attitude and a halt to reprisals against peaceful protesters. They appealed to the international community to raise awareness about Baloch genocide and human rights abuses, seeking support and protection for their cause. In conclusion, they warned that the ongoing movement would not be deterred by violence, arrests, threats, or harassment.