Islamabad: The ongoing sit-in protest against the arrests of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders, enforced disappearances in Balochistan and denial of justice by the courts has entered its 23rd day today. Despite harsh weather conditions and administrative obstacles, protesters, including elderly women, children and students remain steadfast in their peaceful demonstration.
So far, the participants have not been granted permission to set up a proper protest camp. Access to the National Press Club, a public space symbolic of the right to freedom of expression, has been blocked for the demonstrators. Islamabad police and local authorities have not only denied the right to peaceful assembly but have also deprived the protesters of basic necessities such as shade and seating.
Numerous human rights activists and political figures have visited the protest site to show solidarity with the families of the missing, yet there is no visible change in the state’s stance or behavior.
The protesters are demanding the immediate release of all arrested BYC leaders and an end to the ongoing practice of enforced disappearances in Balochistan. However, instead of addressing these demands, the authorities continue to mistreat the demonstrators and attempt to silence their voices.
