Baloch Protesters Stunned as Media Sides with Pak Govt, Press Club Pens Letter Urging Relocation

The Pakistan National Press Club urged Islamabad police this week to remove the Baloch protesters who have camped near the club’s premises. The protesters affiliated with the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) are protesting against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings of members of the Baloch community.

The press club in a letter claimed that they were facing issues due to the protesters and urged that authorities relocate them. People familiar with the developments told CNN-News18 said pressure was exerted on the press club by the establishment to pen such a letter. “Earlier journalist used to cover protests now they have become party to the establishment for vacating protesters,” a person from the Baloch side familiar with the developments said.

Activist Mehrang Baloch took to social media and said that journalists and media outlets have an obligation to stand with neglected voices.

Protests against persecution of the Balochs have been held in Gilgit, London, Karachi and Islamabad earlier this month. Mama Qadir, a famous Baloch activist, while speaking to CNN-News18 claimed that Pakistan Army and intelligence agencies are behind the forced disappearances. He alleged that they have killed young Balochs and have kept many in custody of law enforcement where they are subjected to inhuman behaviour.

He urged the international community to stand with Baloch people and also demanded that the government set up a commission to investigate the deaths and disappearances of Baloch people.

He expressed displeasure that the government of Pakistan banned donations of comforters and Blankets and food to the Baloch protesters in Islamabad last month.

The protesters told CNN-News18 that the government is unable to tolerate a peaceful protest. They said this response prompt concerns about how Balochs are treated in Balochistan.

The caretaker prime minister upset the protesters when he said that those protesting can joins militant groups. Protesters say such remarks undermine their democratic rights and is an attack also on those who are standing in solidarity with them.

Earlier, CNN-News18 reported that the Baloch protesters were met with force as Islamabad police thrashed them. They were also prevented from visiting the camp of missing persons. The march began on December 6 from Balochistan’s Turbat to capital Islamabad.