More than 100 civil society members have urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to release Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders, including Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch. In a letter reported by Geo News, they called for their release before Eid and demanded immediate action from the government.

Arrests Spark Outrage and Protests

Authorities recently arrested Mahrang Baloch and 16 other activists from a protest camp in Quetta. The crackdown occurred a day after BYC claimed that three protesters had died due to police actions. Meanwhile, police detained Sammi Deen Baloch in Karachi while she protested against the arrests. Consequently, widespread protests erupted in Balochistan and Karachi, with citizens condemning the government’s actions.

Concerns Over Police Brutality

The letter strongly criticized police brutality, especially against female activists. It accused authorities of using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators, highlighting a growing "culture of impunity." Additionally, Mahrang Baloch and several other leaders now face serious charges, including terrorism and incitement to rebellion, under Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act and Penal Code.

Prominent Figures Condemn Unlawful Re-Arrests

Notable figures, including journalist Hamid Mir, former senator Afrasiab Khattak, and PPP leader Farhatullah Babar, signed the letter. They condemned the unlawful re-arrest of BYC leaders immediately after securing bail. According to them, this blatant disregard for the judicial process exposes systemic injustices in Balochistan.

Key Demands from Civil Society

The letter outlined several demands:

• Immediate release of detained BYC leaders

• An end to enforced disappearances

• Political dialogue with Baloch representatives

• An independent investigation into police actions

The signatories warned that suppressing peaceful protests would only worsen tensions in Balochistan. They urged the government to respect human rights, uphold Pakistan’s constitution, and ensure justice for those detained.

Call for Urgent Action

The letter concluded with a stern warning. It stated that ongoing repression in Balochistan tarnishes Pakistan’s global reputation. The civil society members urged the government to take decisive action before the situation escalates further.