Agenda
In a press conference held in Quetta on Sunday, Balochistan Chief Minister Jan Achakzai asserted that protesters from Balochistan were pursuing a specific agenda and did not authentically represent the people of the resource-rich yet underdeveloped province.
He claimed that a small group from Turbat had orchestrated a march towards Islamabad, aiming to manipulate public opinion through media channels. The protesters, led by the Baloch Yakjehti Council, had been rallying against the killing of a youth, accusing the police of mistreating women and children during the protests.
President Arif Alvi and caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar had previously expressed concerns about the treatment of Baloch protesters by Islamabad police. Achakzai questioned why the focus was on the protesters rather than those killed due to their ethnicity. He alleged that missing persons were associated with the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and accused them of receiving training at camps operated by India.
The chief minister asserted that terrorists were exerting pressure on the state with the assistance of women. He denied the existence of any committee or solidarity council and dismissed claims of torture against women protesters. Meanwhile, the Islamabad police announced the release of arrested Baloch protesters after their bail applications were approved by a judicial magistrate, who directed them to submit surety bonds.
The interior ministry disclosed that negotiations were ongoing with the Baloch protesters, emphasizing the citizens’ right to peaceful protest. A cabinet committee formed by the prime minister was reportedly engaging in talks with the protesters.
Despite a delegation from the government meeting with the protesters and both sides expressing a commitment to continue negotiations, the government insisted on upholding the rule of law and court orders, ensuring no violence or harassment against protesters.
