Police arrest BYC leaders amid protest crackdown in Karachi
- Karachi police enforced a ban on public assemblies and detained several BYC members during their planned protest.
- The protest aimed to oppose the detainment of Baloch activists and raise awareness about police violence.
- The crackdown highlights ongoing tensions surrounding Baloch activism and state responses in Pakistan.
On March 24, 2025, police in Karachi, Pakistan arrested several members of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) during a protest organized in response to the recent detentions of its leadership. The BYC had planned a demonstration at the Karachi Press Club against the allegedly illegal detention of its key figures, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch, who had been taken into custody along with 16 other activists during a protest in Quetta. The protest was ignited by claims that police violence had resulted in the deaths of three protesters, sparking outrage among supporters of the BYC. As the BYC supporters attempted to reach the press club, they were met with resistance from the police at Fawara Chowk. Despite their intent to conduct a peaceful protest, law enforcement intervened, dispersing the demonstrators after an hour. During this confrontation, key figures like Sammi Deen Baloch were taken into custody, alongside others protesting for the release of detained activists. Eyewitness accounts described a heavy police presence that initiated violence before the protest commenced, prompting claims of brutality against peaceful demonstrators. The situation was further complicated by the implementation of Section 144, which prohibits public gatherings, reflecting a broader context of rising tensions in Karachi. This ban was enforced due to concerns over public order and safety, as articulated by Deputy Inspector General South Syed Asad Raza. While opposing protests were also held nearby by individuals chanting slogans against the BYC and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), police were observed to allow these counter-protests to continue despite the ban, raising questions about the application of the law. Amidst the heightened security measures, the Karachi Traffic Police also enforced road closures to manage the protest situation, resulting in significant traffic disruptions across the city. The authorities maintained that these steps were necessary to mitigate threats to law and order, while affected activists and civil society members criticized the crackdown as an infringement on their right to protest peacefully. The series of events marks a significant moment in the ongoing tensions regarding Baloch activism and government responses in Pakistan.