Karachi Under Tension: Section 144 Imposed Amid Protests

On Monday, the Karachi commissioner enacted Section 144, banning protests amid concerns over potential unrest. The decision followed a recommendation by Karachi South Zone DIG Syed Asad Raza before a Baloch Yakjehti Committee protest. The event, supported by civil society, was slated against alleged illegal detentions and human rights abuses in Pakistan.

The Karachi commissioner imposed Section 144 on Monday, prohibiting protests across the city due to apprehensions regarding the law and order situation. This directive emerged following a recommendation from Karachi South Zone DIG Syed Asad Raza, preceding a planned protest by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) at the Karachi Press Club against what they term the 'illegal detention' of leaders Mahrang Baloch and Bebarg Baloch.

The order, immediately effective for March 24, restricts protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, rallies, and gatherings exceeding five people within the Karachi division, citing concerns over security and potential traffic disruptions. Meanwhile, a post on X indicated that the BYC's Karachi protest was slated for 4 p.m., organized with civil society support, while another protest was scheduled for noon in Quetta. The Pakistani authorities intensified their crackdown as the chief organiser of BYC and 16 other activists were detained on Saturday at their protest camp on Sariab Road in Quetta, protesting against alleged enforced disappearances. The Baloch National Movement's UK chapter also demonstrated outside the British Prime Minister's office, demanding global attention on human rights violations against the Baloch people.

The Baloch Human Rights Council (BHRC) has called for urgent United Nations intervention, urging the Secretary-General to push for the unconditional release of Mahrang Baloch and other unlawfully detained BYC members. The BHRC highlights ongoing military operations, enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings targeting Baloch individuals. Additionally, Baloch resources are being exploited, and nationalist activists face targeting, resulting in continued suffering and human rights abuses for Baloch civilians.

(With inputs from agencies.)