Pakistan Army have intensified their crackdown on protesters in Gwadar, with reports of gunfire and a de facto curfew imposed in the area. The situation escalated overnight as forces demanded the surrender of attackers involved in a recent rally incident.
During the Baloch Raaji Muchi rally on Monday, participants apprehended two armed individuals near the stage. The suspects were found with a 9mm pistol and multiple rounds of ammunition. In the video, the suspects confessed that they had been sent by Pakistan’s Military Intelligence (MI) to assassinate Dr. Mah Rang Baloch and other leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee.
Following the detention of the attackers by rally participants, Pak security forces issued threats to the Baloch Yakjehti Committee leaders, demanding the immediate handover of the suspects.
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee had previously announced threats from Pakistan forces and local authorities against their leaders, including Dr. Mah Rang Baloch and Sammi Baloch. An audio recording from the Deputy Commissioner of Gwadar confirming these threats has also emerged.
Since the rally began, security forces have fired upon participants, resulting in multiple injuries and fatalities. Medical aid for the injured has been denied, and forces have erected barriers on all major highways in Balochistan, blocking access to Gwadar.
In response to the escalating violence, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee has called on international organizations and media to address the ongoing state violence in Pak-occupied-Balochistan and to report on the unfolding crisis.