Govt ‘releases’ all women, children of Baloch protest

Caretaker Minister Fawad Hasan: Baloch Protesters Innocent, Situation Exploited by Local Elements

In the aftermath of widespread condemnation over the police crackdown on Baloch protesters in Islamabad, the caretaker government moved swiftly to address the situation, emphasizing the release of all women and children involved. Privatization Minister Fawad Hasan Fawad, alongside Information Minister Murtaza Solangi and Culture Minister Syed Jamal Shah, held a press conference in the capital, reassuring the public and shedding light on the recent developments.

Minister Fawad Hasan Fawad announced that, on the directives of Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, all women and children who were part of the Baloch protesters had been released. The move came after a series of detentions by Islamabad police, utilizing water cannons and baton charges during a protest against enforced disappearances.

Condemnations poured in from human rights organizations and analysts, prompting swift action from the caretaker government. In response, Caretaker Premier Anwaarul Haq Kakar established a three-member committee, comprising Solangi, Fawad, and Jamal Shah, to engage in dialogue with the families of the protesters. Following these talks, an immediate order for the release of the detained individuals was issued.

During the press conference, the ministers highlighted the context of the situation, emphasizing that force was employed to prevent a potential catastrophe. Minister Fawad Hasan Fawad asserted that peaceful protests had been ongoing outside the press club for several days without interference, pointing out that the Baloch protesters had done nothing wrong. However, he noted that local elements exploited the situation, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement.

The minister claimed that individuals with covered faces joined the protest, initiating stone-pelting incidents. He mentioned that the protesters were earlier advised to stage their demonstration at F-9 Park, where they could receive protection and security. Minister Fawad pointed out that 90% of the men arrested during the crackdown have already been released, and efforts are ongoing to identify the remaining individuals.

The Islamabad High Court has sought a report from Islamabad IG about the protesters, and the government is refraining from making decisions on a sub-judice matter. Minister Fawad emphasized that the administration, police, and intelligence agencies had credible evidence of potential security risks if people gathered on a main street for an extended period, prompting the proactive measures taken.

Fawad Hasan Fawad emphasised that peaceful protests had been ongoing outside the press club for several days, without any interference.

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“We have complete conviction that the people coming from Balochistan have done nothing wrong, but some local elements exploited the situation, which led to clashes between the protesters and the law enforcers,” Fawad Hassan claimed.

“Some people — with their faces covered — came there and started pelting stones,” the minister claimed. He added that the protesters were earlier requested to stage their demonstration at F-9 Park where they could be given “protection and security”.