ISLAMABAD: When the seven-day Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC) ultimatum ended on Wednesday, its chairman, Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a new line of action to push for the rescue of missing people. She announced the establishment of a protest camp in front of the United Nations Office (UN).
She also thanked the judiciary for preventing the police and capital administration of Islamabad from acting against her protest camp in front of the National Press Club.
In conversation with Dawn, Dr. Mahrang Baloch the Islamabad police for profiling the participants and visitors to their camp.
“No one asked the police for security, but their large presence only serves to intimidate the participants in the protest camp”, she said, adding: “You cannot scare us now according to the instructions of the courts.”
The decision of the Supreme Court of Islamabad was made during strong rumors that the capital’s police would start an operation early in the morning of Wednesday and take advantage of the thick fog, to drive out the BYC protest camp.
Read more: Pakistan: Imran Khan’s party today questions rejection of nomination papers
The rumors began after the SHO warning of the Kohsar police station, who visited the camp on Tuesday, saying that the state is providing security for the Baluch Yekjehti Committee.
Earlier on Wednesday, Dr. Mahrang at a press conference said that the seven-day period given to the government to rescue missing persons had expired, however, there was no response from the competent authorities.
“Our campaign has now entered the third phase and we will not be stuck by threats and pressure because we have a legitimate claim based on fundamental human rights”, she said.
Dr. Mahrang, flanked by Seema Baloch, sister of the missing Shabbir Baloch and Sabghatullah Baloch, handed the authorities an olive branch and said that the BYC was ready to talk, however, there must be a change in the attitude of the authorities.
“You are still bothering our supporters; FIRs have been filed against our people and no one has spoken about the real problem, namely the rescue of our missing people”, said Dr. Mahrang added: “This only shows how serious they are about solving the problem.”
BYC leaders said they would continue their protests across the country and further expand the Islamabad protest camp with the participation of other families of missing Baluchis, adding, that social media campaigns and strikes against the closure would be launched.
“We will decide on how to proceed in the coming days based on the reaction of the authorities”, said Dr. Mahrang added: And if all peaceful means to enforce our demands fail, we will set up camp in front of the UN office to look for it. “Aid from the international community”.
She also expressed regret at the testimony of Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, who claimed that the missing persons were terrorists.
“At least the Prime Minister has admitted that they are missing persons and as far as the declaration on terrorists is concerned, I would like to know which court has declared them terrorists. What about the implementation of various court decisions to surrender the missing persons?”, said Dr. Mahrang.
Meanwhile, the situation in the camp deteriorated as many participants as possible, including children and the elderly, were exposed to the brunt of the extreme weather in Islamabad. Some people were also sick.
Read more: Prime Minister Kakar “loses the version” due to Baluch protests in the capital
At the same time, philanthropists and leaders of various political parties regularly visited the protest camp, including the leader of Majlis Wahdat-I-Muslims Allama Nasir Abbas and Senator Mushtaq of Jamaat-i-Islami. They also donated warm bedding and clothing to the camp participants.
2 thoughts on “Baluchi demonstrators threaten to camp in front of UN offices”