Islamabad: The government has raised concerns over the attempted disruption of a peaceful baloch protest by unidentified masked individuals, leading to an unruly situation and subsequent arrests of protestors. The Baloch people had been peacefully demonstrating outside the National Press Club for the last 23 days, exercising their right to express their grievances.
Caretaker federal ministers, Fawad Hassan Fawad, Murtaza Solangi, and Jamal Shah, addressed the media in a joint press conference, highlighting that the law enforcement forces had not taken any action against the peaceful protesters until Wednesday. The ministers emphasized that the right to peaceful protest is fundamental for every citizen.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar took swift action by forming a committee to negotiate with the protestors. The committee, led by Fawad Hassan Fawad, included Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi, and Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Jamal Shah.
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Fawad Hassan Fawad shared that the government offered the protestors alternative locations for their sit-in, considering their security. Despite the offer, the Baloch people chose to continue their peaceful protest outside the National Press Club. The minister highlighted that some unidentified masked individuals, reportedly locals and not from Balochistan, infiltrated the protest. When the police intervened, these individuals resorted to pelting stones, resulting in the arrest of protestors.
After scrutiny, 90 percent of the innocent and peaceful protestors, including women and children, have been released, while the unidentified individuals remain in detention. Information Minister Murtaza Solangi assured that the government committee, formed by Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, is actively engaging with the protestors to address their concerns.
Culture Minister Jamal Shah emphasized that the government is committed to resolving the issues raised by the protesters amicably. He pointed out that some elements attempted to exploit the situation but reassured that such attempts would not be allowed to succeed.
The government remains focused on ensuring the right to peaceful protest while swiftly addressing any attempts to disrupt the harmony and safety of such demonstrations. Further updates on negotiations and resolution of issues will be provided as the situation unfolds.