Gwadar, March 25, 2025: A shutter-down strike was observed in Gwadar on Tuesday following a call by the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) to support the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) in protest against the recent police crackdown and arrests of its leaders.
All businesses, banks, shops, and petrol pumps in the city remained closed. The strike extended to Ormara, 270 kilometers from Gwadar, where the traders’ association staged a complete shutdown, condemning the arrests and cases registered against BYC women leaders, including Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Bebo Baloch, and Sammi Deen Baloch.
The strike follows the Karachi police’s detention of BYC leader Sammi Deen Baloch and others during a demonstration against the arrests of BYC leadership and the crackdown on the group’s sit-in in Quetta.
On Friday evening, police used tear gas, water cannons, and blank gunfire to disperse BYC protesters staging a sit-in on Sariab Road near the University of Balochistan. The demonstration was against alleged enforced disappearances, including that of BYC leader Bebarg Baloch. The Balochistan government and BYC reported casualties on both sides. BYC claimed three protestors were killed and 13 others injured. Police reported 10 personnel injured during the clashes.
Tensions escalated further with the arrest of BYC chief organizer Dr. Mahrang Baloch in the early hours of Saturday. She was booked under terror charges along with 150 others. In response to BYC’s call, strikes spread across Balochistan, including Quetta, Panjgur, Kalat, Turbat, Mastung, Kharan, Chaghi, Dalbandin and Dhadar. BNP-M president Sardar Akhtar Mengal announced a long march on March 28 to protest the arrests of BYC leaders.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mengal stated, “I announce a long march from Wadh to Quetta against the arrest of our daughters and the desecration of our mothers and sisters. I will lead this march myself and invite all Baloch brothers and sisters, young and old, to join us.”
He further emphasized that “This is not just about arrests; it is a matter of our national dignity, honor, and existence. We will not remain silent until our mothers, sisters, and daughters are safe.”
The BYC welcomed Mengal’s announcement, calling it a “commendable step” and expressing full support for the march.
