Tensions escalated in Quetta after Pakistani police used force to break up a demonstration against the life sentences handed down to Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders Dr Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shahji. Several protesters, including women, were detained during the operation, sparking further protests across the city, according to The Balochistan Post.

The demonstration was held near Burma Hotel in Quetta’s Sariab area, where protesters gathered to oppose the convictions and demand the release of the jailed BYC leaders. Reports said a heavy police presence was already in place before the protest began, with police vehicles, prison vans, and senior officials deployed around the site.

Witnesses claimed that authorities moved against the protesters soon after slogans were raised, leading to multiple arrests. According to accounts from participants, women who tried to intervene during the arrests were allegedly subjected to baton charges, while both male and female demonstrators were taken into custody.

The detained protesters were reportedly shifted to an undisclosed location, and authorities allegedly seized their mobile phones. Following the arrests, demonstrators blocked Bashir Chowk and launched a sit-in protest, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of those detained. As the situation intensified, protests spread to other parts of Quetta, including the Eastern Bypass, affecting traffic movement. Another demonstration was also reported on Qambrani Road.

The BYC accused Pakistani authorities of attempting to silence what it described as a peaceful protest movement. The organisation said demonstrators would continue their protest until all detained activists were released and appealed to students, lawyers, political groups, and civil society members to support their cause.

Dr Mahrang Baloch’s sister, Nadia Baloch, also criticised the police action, calling it an attack on peaceful demonstrators. In statements shared on X, she alleged that police had surrounded the protesters before using force, claiming that several people were beaten and women were forcibly removed from the protest site. She also expressed concerns over possible further action against the ongoing sit-in, as reported by The Balochistan Post.