Balochistan Protests Erupt Across Pakistan After Deadly Suicide Attack
In Quetta, Balochistan, a powerful wave of protests has swept through the region as locals rise up against Pakistani forces. Human rights activist Mir Yar Baloch shared this update on social media, calling it a massive uprising against what he describes as state occupation and ongoing violence.
The protests kicked off after a shocking suicide attack on September 2. The blast targeted a rally by the Balochistan National Party (BNP) in Quetta, killing 15 Baloch people and injuring 35 others. Activists blame Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), labeling it a terrorist group for orchestrating the attack.
"Strikes and demonstrations are now spreading across the entire Republic of Balochistan," Mir Baloch posted on X. He pointed to the protests as a direct response to Pakistan’s alleged genocide of the Baloch people, large-scale enforced disappearances, and the ISI’s targeting of Baloch political activists through bomb blasts and suicide attacks.
Tensions are boiling over in hotspots like Quetta’s Sona Thana, Mian Ghundi, Saryab, and Kichi Beg areas. Protests have also hit Mastung, Wadh, Khuzdar, Hub Chowki, Lasbela, Noshki, Panjgur, Kharan, Sibi, Kohlu, Barkhan, Koh-e-Suleiman, Dera Bugti, Sui, and pretty much every corner of the province. Baloch locals are hitting the streets in huge numbers, and Mir Baloch says the Pakistani forces look powerless against this public resistance.
Protesters have shut down roads, blocked shops and highways, halted rail services, and even closed airports in some reports. But things turned violent when Pakistani forces fired live rounds and unleashed tear gas on peaceful crowds. This left several people injured in various parts of Balochistan.
Human rights group Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ) slammed the crackdown as a major human rights violation. In a strong statement, they said these demonstrations act like a public referendum, showing Balochistan’s people are committed to peaceful resistance against state oppression and tyranny.
"Instead of punishing those behind the September 2 suicide attack on the BNP rally, Pakistani authorities are now targeting victims and protesters to protect their own interests and shield the attackers," BVJ added. They called out the use of tear gas, direct firing, arrests, and brutal violence as attacks on basic human rights and democratic principles.
BVJ urged the international community, civil society, and global human rights organizations to pay attention to the crisis in Balochistan. They want the world to speak up for the oppressed Baloch people and support their fight against this ongoing turmoil.
As Balochistan protests continue to grow, the world watches closely amid rising calls for justice and peace in the region.
