The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has sustained its protests and sit-ins across various locations in Balochistan, including Gwadar City, Mastung, and Quetta, despite reaching an agreement with local officials to end the demonstrations. The protesters are blocking roads, demanding the government fulfill its promises, release arrested protesters, and annul the FIRs filed against them.
The sit-ins initially began when convoys of protesters, advocating for the recovery of missing persons, were prevented from attending the BYC meeting in Gwadar. Tensions escalated in Mastung, where protesters heading to the coastal city were dispersed, resulting in 14 injuries and the death of a Pakistan Army soldier.
On Thursday night, an agreement was signed between Dr. Mahrang Baloch, representing the protesters, and the Gwadar district’s deputy commissioner. The government committed to opening roads, removing obstacles, and releasing detained individuals in exchange for the protesters’ peaceful dispersion. However, the BYC continues to protest, fearing the roads will remain closed, which would hinder their return.
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar announced a Rs5 million package for each family with a missing person to provide legal and financial assistance. Despite these assurances, the protests persist, highlighting the ongoing dissatisfaction with the government’s response.
Gwadar’s district administration has criticized the BYC for not adhering to the agreement and continuing their protests. The officials have offered transportation for the protesters’ return and assured the reopening of roads and restoration of communication systems once the sit-ins end.
The ongoing protests have caused significant disruptions, including the closure of the Makran Coastal Highway, leaving many, including pilgrims, stranded and leading to a shortage of food items in the Makran division.
