Baloch Yakjehti Committee issue seven-day ultimatum to govt to meet demands

Islamabad: The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a prominent organizer of the current Baloch protest march in Islamabad, has issued a stern seven-day ultimatum to the Pakistani government. The ultimatum is aimed at compelling the government to address the pressing issues raised by the committee concerning enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan.

Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a key leader of the protest, highlighted the committee’s demands during a press conference. The demands include the establishment of a UN Working Group-led fact-finding mission, a commitment to eradicate enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, the immediate release of all disappearance victims, restrictions on the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and the dismantling of alleged “state-sponsored death squads.”

Furthermore, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee organizers called for the Ministry of Interior to publicly acknowledge alleged deaths in fake encounters, issue an acknowledgment letter, and conduct a press conference revealing the names of the victims.

Dr. Mahrang emphasized the withdrawal of fake cases against peaceful protesters and warned that if the government fails to engage sincerely within the stipulated seven-day period, the BYC will express disappointment with state institutions. They are prepared to accuse the government of genocide policies in Balochistan and bring their case directly to the Baloch people, leaving the decision in their hands.

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Expressing discontent with the state’s actions, Dr. Mahrang accused the government of attempting to suppress the Baloch sit-in. She condemned instances of police brutality against protesters and leveled allegations against elements within the journalistic community, accusing them of collaborating with the state to create a false narrative.

The BYC stressed that Balochistan is witnessing an escalation of state violence and urged the government to demonstrate sincerity in ending human rights violations and illegal measures in the region. The organizers also accused the Islamabad police of sabotaging their seminar preparations and shared videos purportedly showing disruption by law enforcement personnel.

In a scathing critique, Dr. Mahrang pointed out the government’s contradictory stance of discussing negotiations while resorting to violence, arrests, and abductions against peaceful protesters. The BYC’s ultimatum underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency for the government to address the legitimate concerns raised by the Baloch community.