Police Issues Report on Baloch Solidarity Committee’s Long March in Islamabad

The Baloch Solidarity Committee’s (BSC) long march in Islamabad led by Chairperson Dr Maharang Baloch caused massive disruption to the city’s traffic and protestors even clashed with police. Starting peacefully, the protest turned confrontational between authorities and the approximately 250 protestors, including 12 children and 45 women, who arrived at Peshawar Toll Plaza on December 20. Despite attempts at negotiation and offers of alternative protest sites, the BSC rejected and chose to enter Islamabad near 26 No Chungi (Srinagar Highway near G-15).

Ignoring police warnings, protestors armed with batons closed roads at the National Press Club, violating a ban on protests in the Red Zone/High-Security Zone (HSZ). The situation escalated around 01:00 am as protestors moved towards the Marriott gate of HSZ, met with police deploying tear gas shells and a water cannon at Ayub Chowk. Stones thrown at police resulted in arrests and dispersal by 03:00 am.

Around 40 to 80 protestors retreated from Ayub Chowk but dispersed by 03:20 am, with minimal injuries reported, except for one lady protestor who received first aid at PIMS Hospital. A total of 283 individuals, including 282 males and 1 female, were arrested, with two FIRs registered against protestors for violations. Fourteen male protestors sustained minor injuries, and three police officers were injured.

The situation was brought under control at 03:30 am, roads cleared through coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies. Despite challenges, police officers demonstrated efficiency and dedication in handling the complex circumstances, emphasizing the delicate balance between the right to protest and maintaining public order.