No hindrance will be acceptable in Baloch marchers, IHC warns IG

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Aamer Farooq issued a cautionary warning to the capital city’s chief police officer on Thursday, emphasizing that Baloch marchers have the constitutional right to stage a protest and any hindrance would be unacceptable.

The Chief Justice’s remarks were made during the hearing of a case related to the “illegal” arrests of participants in the Baloch long march in Islamabad.

The Islamabad Inspector General (IG), Akbar Nasir Khan, appeared before the IHC bench after being summoned by the Chief Justice following a plea against the arrest of Baloch protesters earlier in the day.

The protesters, who were marching against the enforced disappearances of Baloch individuals, were detained during their demonstration in Islamabad.

The march, originating in Turbat, was en route to the Islamabad Press Club when police intervened late Wednesday night.

An advance party of the Baloch Yakjehti Council (BYC) arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday, but law enforcement intercepted them at Chungi No. 26, blocking main roads leading to the Red Zone, including Kashmir Avenue.

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Human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari represented the protesters in the plea filed by long march organizers Sami Baloch and Abdul Salam.

During the hearing, IG Khan informed the court about the protesters carrying clubs and throwing stones, resulting in injuries.

He also mentioned the government forming a committee to address the protesters’ grievances.

Chief Justice Farooq remarked that the court was not concerned with the committee but sought information on the 86 marchers listed in the petition who were arrested during the protest.

The IG reported a lack of details on the listed individuals, prompting the Chief Justice to assert the protesters’ constitutional right to demonstrate.

The IG updated the court on the status of those arrested, stating that individuals named in the Tarnol Police Station FIR had been released, while those from the Kohsar Police Station FIR had been presented before the magistrate.

The Chief Justice warned against any interference by police officers in the protests and adjourned the hearing, requesting a report on the number of people detained, in judicial custody, and released by December 22.

Earlier in the hearing, the petitioners’ counsel, Mazari, highlighted the use of force and illegal detention against peaceful protesters, including women and children.