The Islamabad High Court (IHC) raised concerns over the forced repatriation of Baloch protesters who had faced brutal police action a day earlier in the federal capital. Chief Justice Aamer Farooq remarked, “They can stay in Islamabad, protest or go back home. The choice is theirs,” during a petition filed by Baloch protesters against unlawful detention.
The Baloch demonstrators had gathered in Islamabad to protest against enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings in their province. On Wednesday night, the Islamabad police used tear gas, water cannons, and batons to disperse and detain more than 200 protesters, drawing condemnation from human rights organizations, politicians, and analysts.
On Thursday evening, the government claimed that 90 percent of the detained Baloch men and women had been released, except for those “who could not be identified” by the police. However, during the court hearing, it was revealed that over 50 Baloch women protesters had “gone missing” following the police action.
The IHC directed the representatives of the protesters and their counsel to approach the Islamabad SSP (Investigation) to record their version and sought a report from the police. The hearing saw the petitioners’ counsel, Attaullah Kundi, and Imaan Mazari expressing concerns over the police’s actions.
Kundi argued that the police had informed them a bus was waiting to take protesters back home, claiming orders from the prime minister for repatriation. He alleged that Baloch women were forcefully loaded into buses, including some Baloch students studying in Islamabad. Despite objections, the police chief insisted on sending them back, closing the police station gates at one point.
The court expressed displeasure and summoned IG Akbar Nasir. During the hearing, the police chief claimed to have arranged transport for the protesters, to which Justice Farooq questioned the need for repatriation, emphasizing the protesters’ right to stay in Islamabad. The court also sought clarification on the whereabouts of the detained protesters and instructed the police chief to arrange a meeting between the women and their counsels.
The proceedings revealed discrepancies in the police chief’s communication, leading to demands for contempt proceedings. The IG stated that 216 Baloch men and women were in police custody, with some on judicial remand. The court stressed the importance of ensuring no one was missing and directed the police chief to organize a meeting between the detained women and their counsels to address concerns.
