In a surprising turn of events, Baloch protesters, who had maintained a prolonged sit-in outside Islamabad’s National Press Club (NPC) since December 22, decided to call off their demonstration on Tuesday. This decision followed a contentious request by the NPC, seeking the removal of the Baloch rights camp, a move that was later retracted after facing widespread criticism, including from within the journalism community.
The protesters, organized by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), had been staging the sit-in to draw attention to the issues of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Despite challenging weather conditions, the camp endured, but organizers accused the police of harassment, including profiling and filing first information reports against their supporters.
The NPC’s letter to the Islamabad police, requesting the relocation of the protesters, cited concerns about the disruption caused by the sit-in to the club’s activities, including press conferences and seminars that constitute its primary sources of income. However, the letter was met with disapproval from various quarters, including journalists, who criticized the NPC for seemingly siding against the protesters.
Dr Mahrang Baloch, one of the protest organizers, expressed disappointment, asserting that the media community has a duty to support marginalized voices. In a late-night press conference, she detailed the pressure faced by demonstrators to vacate the camp, citing police interference and alleged threats. She condemned the NPC’s letter as a “stain” on journalism, declaring that the protesters would return to Balochistan the following day.
Mahrang emphasized that the Baloch protesters were not against the state but claimed that the state was against them. She criticized the silence of political parties on the issue of missing persons amid ongoing election campaigns.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan voiced solidarity with the Baloch camp, condemning persistent harassment and expressing deep concern over efforts to dismantle the protest site. The commission called for the legitimate demands of the Baloch protesters to be heeded without resorting to force or defamation.
In response to the controversy, the NPC clarified that its request for the removal of the Baloch protest camp was “taken out of context” and “viewed with suspicion.” The NPC claimed that the letter, withdrawn due to a “misunderstanding,” was issued considering present security concerns and aimed at ensuring the safety of the demonstrators. The club accused certain individuals with an agenda of attempting to create a rift between the NPC and the Baloch protesters, reaffirming its commitment to providing a platform for various groups.
