IHC upholds constitutional right of Baloch demonstrators to protest

IHC orders Islamabad IG to submit report tomorrow of number of Baloch protesters arrested, in judicial remand

In a significant development, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq has affirmed the constitutional right of Baloch demonstrators to peacefully protest. The statement came during a hearing related to the “illegal” arrests of Baloch long march participants in Islamabad.

The Baloch long march, initiated in Turbat and aimed at raising awareness about enforced disappearances of Baloch missing persons, faced a hurdle when authorities detained participants during a demonstration near the Islamabad Press Club. The Islamabad Inspector General (IG) Akbar Nasir Khan was summoned to appear before the IHC bench to address concerns over the arrests.

Chief Justice Farooq, emphasizing the constitutional right of the Baloch marchers to demonstrate, warned the IG against hindering the protest. The court took up a plea against the arrests filed by long march organizers Sami Baloch and Abdul Salam, represented by human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari.

During the hearing, IG Khan informed the court about the protesters allegedly resorting to violence by using clubs and pelting stones, resulting in injuries. He also mentioned that the government had formed a committee to address the grievances of the protesters.

In response, Chief Justice Farooq focused on the status of the 86 marchers named in the petition who were arrested during the protest. The IG provided details, stating that those nominated in the FIR at Tarnol Police Station had been released, while those arrested in the FIR at Kohsar Police Station were presented before the magistrate.

Asserting the right to protest as a constitutional one, Chief Justice Farooq cautioned against any obstruction to the demonstrators by police officers. The court adjourned the hearing, directing the IG to submit a report by tomorrow (December 22) detailing the number of people detained, remanded in judicial custody, and released.

During the proceedings, the petitioners’ counsel, Imaan Mazari, highlighted the use of force and illegal detention of peaceful protesters, including women and children, urging the court to address these concerns.

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As the legal proceedings unfold, the case underscores the importance of upholding constitutional rights and ensuring a fair and just resolution to issues surrounding peaceful demonstrations.

While,

PM Kakar forms committee to hold talks with Baloch protestors

The caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar on Thursday formed a three-member committee to hold talks with the Baloch protestors marching for the release of ‘missing persons’, ARY News reported.

The committee formed for negotiations with the protestors comprised three federal ministers including Fawad Hasan Fawad, Murtaza Solangi, and Jamal Shah.

It is pertinent to mention here that the protestors – under the leadership of Mahrang Baloch – had reached Islamabad last night.