Pakistan: Internet shut down in Balochistan amid protests against targeted killings
Balochistan: The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a Baloch human rights organization, said that an internet blackout and an attempt by Pakistani security forces to suppress rallies over the increase in targeted killings of Baloch youth had occurred.
The demonstrations against the rise in targeted murders of Baloch youth that were held in Zehri, Khuzdar, were consistent with the protests that the Baloch Yakjehti Committee had announced.
“A protest demonstration was planned by BYC Zehri and the general public. From Hospital Road to Allah wala Chowk, the rally began. However, the paramilitary forces (FC) and members of the death squad barricaded the highways, making it difficult for the protest to continue. In a post on X, the BYC said, “The internet was also shut down throughout the entire area.”
The demonstration against the Baloch genocide was attended by a significant number of individuals, including women, children, and victim families, in spite of the obstacles.
The obstacles, intimidation, and use of force by Pakistani troops against the nonviolent demonstration were denounced and criticized by BYC.
“Freedom of assembly for one’s rights is a fundamental right, and the Baloch nation would never back down from peaceful resistance against ongoing genocide,” the post by BYC said.
BYC said on Sunday that it will stage a number of demonstrations around Balochistan to denounce the systematic persecution’ that Pakistan’s security forces are subjecting the Baloch people to.
BYC said that the intelligence services, security forces, and associated militias are deliberately targeting Baloch youth, highlighting the fact that the Pakistani security forces have stepped up their crackdown, resulting in a rise in enforced disappearances and targeted deaths.
State persecution, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary executions of activists, academics, and citizens are only a few of the many problems facing Balochistan. Economic neglect plagues the area, which also lacks basic infrastructure, political sovereignty, and development.
