Baloch
During a hearing at the Islamabad High Court, Justice Miangul Hasan Aurangzeb issued a directive to the Islamabad police, urging them not to view the Baloch community as enemies. This statement arose within the context of a petition challenging the arrests of Baloch protesters and the alleged infringement of their right to engage in peaceful demonstrations.
The court, responding to the case, mandated the identification parade of 34 detained protesters on the same day and deferred further proceedings until December 29.
The petitioner’s legal representative apprised the court that the Baloch protesters had been apprehended while participating in a march in Islamabad. Justice Aurangzeb, addressing the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) responsible for operations, inquired whether he had instructed a severe response to the Baloch protesters.
The judge expressed concern over differential treatment, emphasizing that those protesting should be allowed to exercise their right in Islamabad. The petitioner’s lawyer informed the court that 34 detainees were still in custody, awaiting their identification parade.
Justice Aurangzeb conveyed to the SSP (operations) that if corrective measures were not taken, the court might summon the interior secretary. Emphasizing a non-hostile approach, the judge underscored that the Baloch community should not be treated as enemies.
The court reiterated its order for the identification parade of the detained protesters on the same day and scheduled the next hearing for December 29. This legal proceeding signifies the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rights of individuals to peaceful assembly and seeks to address concerns surrounding the treatment of the Baloch protesters by law enforcement authorities.
