ISLAMABAD: The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) concluded their sit-in outside the National Press Club (NPC) in Islamabad, which lasted for over 30 days, as reported by a private TV channel.
Since December 20, 2023, Baloch protesters had been demonstrating in the federal capital against “enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings.”
Dr. Mahrang Baloch, an activist and one of the protest organizers, announced the return of the protesters to Balochistan from Islamabad. She mentioned plans for a rally in Balochistan scheduled for January 27.
This decision followed a complaint filed by the NPC Islamabad on Monday with the Kohsar Police Station, urging the removal of the Baloch protesters from the open park in front of the NPC. The club’s administration cited security concerns, mentioning the frequent visits of political and social figures of national importance to the NPC for various events.
The NPC administration expressed the impact of the prolonged sit-in, lasting over two months, causing financial losses as political and social entities refrained from holding press conferences and other functions at the NPC.
In the previous month, Islamabad police took action against the Baloch protesters, dismantling their camps outside the National Press Club and arresting many demonstrators, which led to nationwide unrest. Initially, the government defended the crackdown as a necessary measure to prevent a “catastrophe.” However, in response to public outcry, all detained Baloch protesters were released after a week.
Earlier this month, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) instructed local authorities and police not to hinder or use force to remove the Baloch marchers.
(Islamabad_Newsdesk)
