ISLAMABAD: Late on Sunday night, Islamabad police announced the release of all Baloch demonstrators who were arrested during a protest in the federal capital against the “enforced disappearances” of their loved ones.
Using the platform now known as X, formerly Twitter, the capital territory police confirmed the release of all detained Baloch marchers following court orders.
The capital territory police had resorted to what was termed as “excessive force” last Wednesday night, apprehending all Baloch protestors assembled in the capital to demonstrate against “enforced disappearances.” The long march, primarily led by Baloch women, commenced its journey from Balochistan on December 6.
The police’s actions against both Baloch women and men sparked widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and political parties. Even federal ministers acknowledged that the “protestors arriving in Islamabad from Balochistan were not involved in the violence.”
Responding to a petition filed by long march organizers against the “unlawful” arrests, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued a ruling the next day: “Let those who have come to protest, protest; it’s their constitutional right.”
The police post indicated that a total of 290 protesters have been released from jails and police custody. It also noted, “Cabinet committee and Balochistan governor had ordered their release.”
This development transpired after protestors, having traveled to the capital from Turbat in a long march, issued a three-day ultimatum for the release of all detained participants and demanded the dismissal of cases registered against them.
In a prior communication, the police mentioned that during discussions with a cabinet committee appointed by the prime minister, protestors had requested the release of their detained companions.
“Upon fulfilling legal requirements, bail for the arrested protestors has been granted, and they are being released,” the police stated, urging the relatives of detainees to contact them for necessary information and assistance in procuring legal aid.
Earlier, the Islamabad police had reported that court orders had approved the release of 163 protesters after granting them bail.
Meanwhile, the Baloch Yakjahti Committee affirmed that the protest sit-in at the National Press Club in Islamabad remains ongoing.
