Arrest of Baloch Activist Gulzar Dost Sparks Protests in Pakistan
- July 8, 2025
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The recent arrest of Baloch social activist Gulzar Dost in Turbat has ignited widespread protests and condemnation from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee. The activist was detained during a raid conducted by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), which has been accused of levying false charges against him. This incident is seen as part of a larger pattern of suppressing dissent in the Balochistan region, where reports of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings have been on the rise.
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee, a prominent advocacy group, has been vocal in its criticism, arguing that the charges against Dost are politically motivated. They claim that his arrest is an attempt to silence voices that challenge the status quo and demand accountability for human rights violations. The committee’s statements have resonated with many in the region who are frustrated by what they perceive as systemic oppression.
This development follows closely on the heels of reports about the killing of another activist, Zeeshan Ahmed, which has further inflamed tensions. Ahmed’s death, coupled with ongoing reports of forced disappearances, has created a climate of fear and unrest among the local population. Activists and human rights organizations are calling for international attention to these issues, urging global leaders to pressure Pakistan into addressing these human rights concerns.
The situation in Balochistan remains tense as protests continue to gain momentum. Demonstrators are demanding justice for those who have disappeared and accountability for those responsible for these actions. The government’s response to these protests will likely be scrutinized both domestically and internationally, as observers watch to see how it navigates this complex and volatile situation.