IHC bars police, admin from using force against Baloch protesters

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on  issued directives prohibiting the administration and police in the federal capital from forcefully removing Baloch demonstrators who were protesting outside the National Press Club.

IHC Judge Mohsin Akhtar Kayani passed the order during the hearing of a petition filed by Baloch activist Sammi Deen Baloch, addressing concerns of alleged harassment and the use of force against the Baloch protesters.

For the upcoming hearing on January 5, the judge summoned the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Senior Superintendent Police (Operations). The Baloch families have been protesting against purported extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances outside the National Press Club.

ہمارے ساتھ دشمنوں سے بھی بتر سلوک کیا جارہا یے، دشمن کے ایجنٹ کو پکڑ کر انھیں تو ہر سھولت دیتے ہیں مگر اب کمپنی کے لوگ ہم تک اس سخت سردی میں کمبل اور گرم کپڑے وغیرہ بھی نہیں پہنچنے دے رہے۔

کیا پرامن احتجاج ہمارا حق نہیں ؟ ہم آپ سے توقع کرتے ہیں کہ آپ ہمارے لیے آواز اٹھائیں گے? pic.twitter.com/yL8bhCl5j9

— Mahrang Baluch (@Mahrangbaluch) January 2, 2024

During the proceedings, the petitioner's counsel, Ataullah Kundi, informed the court that Baloch families had conducted a sit-in outside the press club in Islamabad. The police had reportedly arrested several women and children, and their release was ordered by the court. Kundi argued that the Islamabad police were engaging in harassment of the protesters.

Responding to the judge's inquiry about whether the protesters were moving beyond their designated venue, it was clarified that the protesters were not advancing elsewhere.

 Justice Kayani subsequently issued orders, prohibiting authorities from using force to harass and remove the Baloch protesters.

The DC and SSP Operations were summoned for the next hearing scheduled on January 5.