Karachi: A peaceful protest march organized by the Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC) in Lyari, Karachi, was violently disrupted by police forces, leading to the arrest and enforced disappearance of several participants, including prominent BYC leader Amna Baloch.
The protest was held to condemn the alleged extrajudicial killing of Zeeshan Zaheer in Panjgur and to raise awareness about the ongoing Baloch genocide in Balochistan. Protesters marched from 8 Chowk to Chakiwara, holding placards with slogans such as “Arrest Zeeshan Zaheer’s Killers,” “Stop Baloch Genocide,” and “End State Oppression.”
According to eyewitnesses, the march was peaceful until police suddenly launched a baton charge, injuring several demonstrators. Amna Baloch and three other activists were reportedly detained and taken to Risalpur Police Station, while several others were allegedly moved to undisclosed locations.
In a video statement, BYC member Fozia Baloch said the protesters were brutally assaulted by uniformed police as well as plainclothes personnel. Many were beaten, their phones confiscated, and taken into custody without explanation.
A spokesperson for the BYC condemned the raid, stating that this is not the first time the organization’s peaceful demonstrations in Karachi have faced state repression. The spokesperson accused the Sindh police of repeatedly suppressing their democratic right to protest and demanded the immediate release of all detained activists and a transparent investigation into Zeeshan Zaheer’s killing.
The incident has drawn strong criticism from human rights advocates and sparked fresh concerns over freedom of expression and assembly in Pakistan, especially concerning Baloch voices.
