Tensions Escalate in Balochistan as Police Crack Down on Panjgur Protesters for Third Day
Protests in Pakistan’s Balochistan province intensified as the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) continued its agitation for a third consecutive day in Panjgur, demanding the release of activist Mahrang Baloch and other detained demonstrators. According to Dawn, police used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the crowd on Monday, escalating tensions in a region already on edge.
Key Highlights:
Arrests and Violence Trigger Mass Unrest
The unrest began after Mahrang Baloch and 16 other activists were arrested from a sit-in protest at Quetta’s Sariab Road. The BYC claims the crackdown followed the deaths of three protesters, allegedly due to police action.
In a post on X, BYC stated:
“Third day of protest in Panjgur amid firing and state violence… protesters demand an end to state repression, enforced disappearances, and targeting of peaceful demonstrators.”
Third Day of Protest in Panjgur Amid Firing and State Violence
— Baloch Yakjehti Committee (@BalochYakjehtiC) March 24, 2025
The protest in Panjgur has entered its third day as people continue to resist the brutal crackdown on the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and the arrest of Dr. Mahrang Baloch and other activists. Demonstrators are… pic.twitter.com/yXn1i0Oedv
According to the group, Frontier Corps personnel opened fire to disperse demonstrators, but despite state aggression, the protests have continued. Reports indicate “death squad militias” and police used live rounds and tear gas, leaving several critically injured.
Kalat and Quetta Join the Resistance
Solidarity protests erupted in Kalat, with demonstrators condemning police brutality, enforced disappearances, and the “violent suppression of peaceful demonstrations.” In Quetta, the BYC alleges that security forces once again opened fire, escalating fears of more casualties.
The resistance, the group says, is growing in momentum across Balochistan, even as the state intensifies its crackdown.
Family Speaks Out: Nadia and Iqra Baloch Denied Access
Mahrang Baloch’s sister, Nadia Baloch, revealed she had to wait three hours and threaten a hunger strike before she was allowed to meet her sister briefly at Quetta District Jail. Her younger sister, Iqra Baloch, and Mahrang’s lawyer have been denied access altogether.
“When I met her, Dr. Mahrang looked strong, smiled, and conveyed this message: ‘Tell my nation to stay strong, continue their peaceful protests and marches for justice,’” Nadia said.
Despite being held under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO), Mahrang remains defiant. Nadia added that Mahrang is concerned about the fate of the protesters who died and remains committed to the cause of justice and recovery of missing persons.
“We have to remain united and raise our voices peacefully… every sacrifice is taking us closer to the destination,” Nadia quoted Mahrang as saying.
After pleading for 3-hours & threatening jail staff that I would go on a hunger strike outside if I wasn’t allowed to meet my sister @MahrangBaloch_ , I was finally permitted to see her but only for a couple of minutes.
— Nadia Baloch (@NadiaBaloch99) March 24, 2025
My younger sister, Iqra, was not allowed to meet her.
When… pic.twitter.com/m5spQ5t9fS
Malala Yousafzai Joins Global Voices Demanding Mahrang’s Release
Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai voiced her concern over Mahrang Baloch’s detention, stating on X:
“She represents millions of voiceless people… It is her right to protest and speak out… and she must be immediately released. I stand with Mahrang Baloch.”
Her statement has amplified international attention on the human rights situation in Balochistan.
As the Balochistan protests enter a dangerous phase, the voices of dissent grow louder despite state efforts to silence them. With escalating crackdowns, mass arrests, and international figures like Malala Yousafzai speaking out, the spotlight is now on Islamabad’s response and whether justice will prevail over repression.
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