Baloch nationalist circles, human rights groups, prominent politicians and lawyers, and the general public have all condemned the brutal crackdown on the Baloch Yakjehti Committee’s ‘Baloch Raaji Muchi’ (Baloch National Gathering) held in Gwadar on July 28. The Pakistani government’s harsh response, which included a total blackout of cellular networks in Gwadar, the enforced disappearances of BYC workers and other organizers, and the use of live fire to stop a peaceful convoy from reaching Gwadar, has drawn widespread criticism. Many are questioning the Pakistani government’s treatment of the Baloch people in light of these actions.
In a recent statement, the Baloch National Movement (BNM) spokesperson condemned Pakistan’s use of force to halt the Baloch Raaji Muchi in Gwadar, stating it proves peaceful struggles for human rights in Balochistan are futile. The group said that despite state violence, the Baloch will continue their peaceful resistance. The world is witnessing unprovoked shootings on unarmed, peaceful people, raising the question of whether the Baloch can ever live safely in Pakistan, BNM said.
The spokesperson explained that the Baloch Yakjehti Committee had called for the Baloch Raaji Muchi to protest against human rights violations in Balochistan. It said that the demands are for the restoration of rights of Baloch people guaranteed by Pakistan’s constitution. The BNM said that had there been no use of force by the Pakistani state, the gathering would have been peaceful. Instead, the military erected barriers, and blood was spilled to stop the people heading to Gwadar. Many human rights activists and leaders have been forcibly disappeared, and direct firing by Pakistani forces has resulted in injuries and deaths BNM said.
The spokesperson noted that Gwadar is under siege, with land routes closed and mobile services cut off, making it difficult to obtain accurate information. Raids are ongoing to arrest human rights workers, and identification cards, mobile SIMs, and bank accounts have been frozen. Despite the oppression, thousands gathered to assert their rejection of ‘occupation’ and ‘oppression’ on their land, the statement said.
The BNM also criticized proposed U.S. aid to Pakistan, arguing it is a betrayal of human values to spend money earned by American citizens on a country that disregards humanity. They urged the U.S. government to support the Baloch independence movement instead. The spokesperson highlighted that even prominent human rights institutions in Pakistan face threats for exposing abuses and called for immediate international intervention.
Former SCBA President Condemns Government’s Stance
Former Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Amanullah Kanrani ridiculed the government’s labeling of the Baloch Raaji Muchi gathering in Gwadar as ‘anti-state’ and its participants as ‘miscreants.’ He pointed out that the population of Balochistan is overwhelmingly ‘anti-Pakistan’, having traveled from various regions at their own expense to participate in the peaceful gathering for the restoration of the rights of Baloch people. Kanrani noted sarcastically that the true patriots are those who receive salaries, cars, jobs, and perks, but remain confined to air-conditioned rooms.
He said that the government believes that only a handful of government beneficiaries, who issue statements from their comfortable positions, are patriots. According to Kanrani, the recent events in Gwadar were a referendum between the people and the state, with the former prevailing in their quest for peace while the armed state apparatus failed. He decried the international embarrassment caused by the Pakistani state shooting bus tires and targeting unarmed, peaceful citizens with bullets.
MPA Hidayat Ur Rehman Threatens Resigning from Assembly
Member of the Balochistan Provincial Assembly from Gwadar, Maulana Hidayat Ur Rehman, held a press conference at Quetta Press Club, questioning who is responsible for the current situation in Gwadar and the broader Balochistan region. He confirmed reports of shootings in Gwadar, with several injuries and communication disruptions exacerbating the difficulties.
Rehman condemned the prevention of peaceful, unarmed Baloch people from assembling, stating he could not remain in government positions under such circumstances. He highlighted the adverse effects of the government’s heavy-handed approach on people’s hearts and emphasized that ‘forceful subjugation’ is ineffective in the modern era. Rehman asserted that peaceful gatherings and political activities are rights guaranteed by Pakistan’s constitution and should not be obstructed.
He expressed dismay over the government’s measures to block roads, shut down social media, and cut internet and mobile services, questioning the moral groundst of these actions. Rehman argued that while the government has the right to prevent violence and vandalism, it should not obstruct political activities and gatherings. He pointed out the unfairness in blocking all major highways across Balochistan in response to a peaceful political event.
Amnesty International Expresses Concerns
Amnesty International voiced concern over the state’s use of force against participants in the Baloch Raaji Muchi gathering. The organization highlighted the illegal and unnecessary use of force against peaceful assembly, emphasizing that it violates the right to peaceful assembly.
On July 27, Amnesty International reported that Frontier Corps fired on unarmed and peaceful protesters in Mastung, injuring 14 people, several of whom are in critical condition. The organization also noted the complete internet blackout in Gwadar, hindering the flow of information.
Amnesty International called on Pakistani authorities to lift the internet shutdown in Balochistan immediately and fulfill their obligations under national and international human rights law. They urged the government to facilitate people’s right to peaceful protest by removing roadblocks to Gwadar and allowing free movement.