Baloch protesters call off Islamabad sit-in
Pakistan
Baloch protesters call off Islamabad sit-in
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – The Baloch protesters, who had been staging a sit-in outside Islamabad's National Press Club (NPC) since December, called off their demonstration on Tuesday.
This decision followed a letter from the NPC to Islamabad police requesting the removal of the Baloch rights camp, a request that was retracted after facing widespread criticism, including from journalists.
The protesters, organised by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), had initiated the sit-in on December 22, persisting despite adverse weather conditions. Additionally, they accused the police of harassing their supporters, profiling them, and filing First Information Reports against them.
In its letter to the Islamabad police, the NPC urged the development of a plan to relocate the protesters to alleviate difficulties for the press club, residents, and the business community. The letter highlighted that the club's primary income sources, press conferences and seminars, were hindered by the sit-in and related security issues, impacting both club members and the local community.
In response, Dr Mahrang Baloch, one of the protest organisers, expressed disappointment, emphasizing the media community's responsibility to support those whose voices are marginalised. She reported harassment, threats, and the spread of false information, stating that there was a supposed threat around the press club area.
During a press conference, Mahrang labelled the NPC's letter as a "stain" on journalism, asserting that the protesters would return to Balochistan the next day. She clarified that their stance was not against the state.
