BYC leadership arrested for inciting violence in Quetta

In Balochistan, Pakistan, on March 23, 2025, the leadership of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), including chief organiser Dr Mahrang Baloch, was arrested during a police crackdown on protests in Quetta. The protests were staged by the BYC against alleged enforced disappearances which had heightened tensions in the region. Members of BYC claimed that the police had fired upon their activists, resulting in casualties and sparked further unrest. Following the protests, which also featured a call for a strike across the province, police moved in and arrested over a dozen activists including Mahrang Baloch at a sit-in camp in front of the University of Balochistan. Different sources reported conflicting narratives regarding the events. According to government spokesperson Shahid Rind, the arrests followed accusations that the BYC had attacked the Quetta Civil Hospital and were advocating violent resistance. This was met with substantial condemnation from human rights organizations and political parties, who called for the immediate release of arrested activists and criticized the use of brutal police force. As tensions mounted, the human rights situation appeared to worsen as reports emerged of individuals having died during the police's enforcement actions against protesters. The government’s response was described as oppressive and a violation of basic rights, further deepening the crisis in Balochistan. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee, amidst ongoing clashes with authorities, was also demanding the release of their missing members, emphasizing their position against state violence. A heavy police presence and reports of agitation among the local populace underlined the deteriorating atmosphere in Balochistan, where discontent with government actions has been rising. The humanitarian implications of these arrests have drawn attention from international human rights advocates urging the government to engage in dialogue with Baloch political activists rather than resorting to violence. This crackdown and the subsequent arrests have resulted in widespread unrest, prompting leading politicians and human rights organizations to highlight the importance of addressing fundamental grievances among Baloch citizens. Calls for dialogue have been prominent, as many believe that the government's aggressive measures will not resolve the long-standing issues prevalent in the region but will rather exacerbate tensions. These developments signal a critical juncture for Balochistan, where the potential for further unrest hinges on the government’s response to the ongoing crisis.