Turbat [Pakistan], June 21 : Members of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) have launched a hunger strike in Turbat, Pakistan, protesting against enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the illegal detention of their leaders. Now in its second day, the strike is being held outside the Turbat Press Club, according to reports from The Balochistan Post.
The BYC is calling for the immediate release of detained leaders and an end to what it describes as the ongoing “Baloch genocide”. The organisation is also demanding accountability for “fake encounters” and legal action against those involved.
In a post on X, BYC’s Kech chapter wrote:
“Kech, Turbat – Day 2 of BYC’s hunger strike camp in front of Press Club Turbat. For the 3rd time, traffic accidents damaged the camp. If anyone gets injured, police authorities will be held responsible.”
[Post: https://x.com/BYCKech/status/1935948541454647579]
Another post noted the extreme conditions under which the protest is continuing:
“Despite the blistering 50°C heat, members of the Baloch nation are courageously participating in the hunger strike. Their message is clear: protect and save BYC leaders, and stand united against injustice.”
[Post: https://x.com/BYCKech/status/1935989454507737394]
According to BYC, police interference and repeated traffic accidents—three so far—have disrupted the protest site, which the group claims may be a deliberate attempt to sabotage the peaceful demonstration. Video footage of the damage has been circulated online.
During the sit-in, the BYC reaffirmed its core demands, which include:
- The immediate release of all detained leaders
- The recovery of forcibly disappeared persons
- An end to extrajudicial killings
- Filing of FIRs in alleged fake encounter cases
The organisation is also collecting documentary evidence at the camp, which it intends to present in court and to international human rights bodies. Families of missing persons are being encouraged to come forward and share their stories.
The BYC has accused state institutions of attempting to stifle dissent and called on the international community to take notice of the human rights violations occurring in Balochistan. The group urged Pakistan to uphold its constitutional responsibilities and adhere to international legal standards.
Meanwhile, a separate protest in Mastung district over the alleged enforced disappearance of Azizur Rehman entered its 12th hour on Friday. Protesters, including women, children, and the elderly, blocked the Karachi-Quetta highway at Ghulam Parhenz, bringing traffic to a complete standstill.
Despite two failed attempts by officials to negotiate, the victim’s family has vowed not to end the protest until Rehman is safely returned. They also alleged threats of a baton charge from the district administration.
In a warning statement, the family said, “If any harm, either physical or material, comes to the protesters, the responsibility will lie with the Deputy Commissioner of Mastung, the Assistant Commissioner, the DSP, and the SHO.”