Karachi Police arrested 14 Baloch during a rally over Gwadar violence

Karachi police arrested 14 Baloch protestors during their rally against reported cases of torture and arrests in Gwadar. Several members of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) participated in this protest on August 2, 2024.

They were gathering for a protest march at the Arts Council roundabout. BYC claimed in a statement when their members attempted to march toward the Karachi Press Club, Karachi police mistreated them.

کراچی ریلی پر پولیس کا حملہ، بلوچ خواتین اور شرکاء پر تشدد اور متعدد لوگ کی گرفتار کیے گئے۔

بلوچ یکجہتی کمیٹی کے شرکاء پر سندھ پولیس کا بدترین تشدد، تقریباً پچاس بلوچ خواتین اور مرد حراست میں لیے گئے۔ سیاسی کارکنوں اور خواتین کو سڑکوں پر گھسیٹا گیا اور انہیں پولیس موبائلوں میں… pic.twitter.com/qbDQofWgDT
— Baloch Yakjehti Committee (@BalochYakjehtiC) August 2, 2024

According to BYC, Karachi police arrested almost 50 people, including women. The committee accused police of manhandling their women workers.

It also stated that the purpose behind this rally was to draw attention to the excessive force of the Gwadar police and security officers against protestors.

BYC organized a protest in Gwadar against the enforced disappearance of Baloch people by security forces on July 28, 2024. They also registered their protest against unfair provincial resource utilization.

Baloch communities from several parts of the province arrived in Gwadar to protest for their fundamental rights. However, this protest movement turned violent when protestors allegedly started moving Marine Dive despite warnings from law enforcement officials.

Afterward, the deadliest clash broke out between Baloch people and law enforcement officials including the army. It resulted in several deaths and injuries. Hence, BYC launched this rally against alleged violence by the state on the Baloch community.

A thousand salutations to the brave Baloch people and the people of Gwadar for standing firm and tall against state barbarism. Despite the state's attempts to deny and conceal the reality, our people continue to stand with the oppressed. For five days now, the people of Gwadar… pic.twitter.com/vlXyr7PYBV
— Baloch Yakjehti Committee (@BalochYakjehtiC) August 1, 2024

Click here to read the updates on the Gwadar protest that killed three & Injured several Baloch in a clash with the army

However, Karachi police arrested several members of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee including 14 male activists at Aram Bagh Police.

They immediately released women workers after arrest but filed cases against Baloch men under several sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. BYC alleged Karachi police torturing and baton-charging their peaceful protestors.

Meanwhile, DIG-South Karachi stated the district administration and local police warned rally organizers not to violate Section 144 imposed in the city. He denied claims of torture and baton charges.

On the other hand, BYC activist Fauzia Baloch claimed policemen made videos of Baloch women in custody and later released them.