In a recent development, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq has issued a stern warning to the police regarding the illegal arrest of Baloch protestors in the capital. The protestors were demonstrating against forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan. Chief Justice Farooq emphasized that peaceful demonstrations are a constitutional right for every citizen.
The IHC was addressing a case related to the arrests of Baloch protestors who had come to Islamabad to raise their voices against human rights violations in Balochistan. Clashes broke out as police intercepted protestors heading towards the Islamabad Press Club, leading to the arrest of dozens.
Chief Justice Farooq summoned Islamabad Inspector General Akbar Nasir Khan and questioned the arrests of women protestors. He asserted that no one should be prevented from engaging in peaceful protests, stating, “Let them protest who have come to protest. It’s their constitutional right.”
The IG defended the police action, citing concerns that protestors were heading towards the sensitive Red Zone area, which houses key state buildings and diplomatic missions. He claimed that the police acted in self-defense as protestors refused to disperse and attacked them.
Human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari, representing the protestors, informed the court that force, including baton charges, was used against peaceful demonstrators, including women and children. The court adjourned the hearing and requested a report on the number of people detained, in judicial custody, and released by Friday.
Following the incident, Privatisation Minister Fawad Hasan Fawad announced in a press conference that all women and children arrested during the police action against Baloch protestors had been released. The government’s negotiating team met with the protestors, who expressed their non-intention to create a law and order situation.
Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar formed a five-member committee, led by Fawad, to address the protestors’ grievances. Fawad assured that those not seriously violating the law would be released, attributing the law and order situation to local elements.
Expressing concern, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan criticized the arrests, particularly the separation of women protestors from their male relatives. The commission called the treatment of Baloch citizens exercising their right to peaceful assembly inexcusable and urged the government to organize a delegation to meet the protestors and address their legitimate demands urgently.
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