Pakistan Police Arrested Balochistan Leader Mehrang Baloch during protest in Quetta

Balochistan Leader Mahrang Baloch Arrested: In Pakistan’s Balochistan province, a large -scale demonstrations against the Pakistani Army and the government have started. During the protest, Baloch Human Rights activist and Balochistan’s lead leader Maharang Baloch was arrested by the Quetta police on Saturday (March 22, 2025).

Thousands of people took to the streets to protest against the atrocities against the Baloch community in Balochistan. In these ongoing demonstrations under the leadership of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), the police conducted lathicharge, tear gas and firing, killing three youths and injured dozens.

Police took away the dead bodies of those killed
Byc claimed in its social media post, “The police not only arrested Mahrang Baloch and his associates, but also snatched the bodies of youths killed by protesters.” Other senior BYC leaders Bebigar Baluch, Dr. Hamal, Dr. Ilyas and Saeed Baloch have also faced ‘arrests like kidnapping’.

Why protest in Balochistan raging?
Balochistan has long been struggling with issues of autonomy and human rights violations. The main demands of the protesters are:

Ban on torture and forcibly disappearance
Baloch community right over natural resources
Autonomy and political freedom
Soldier suppression stops

Last message of Mahanrang Baloch
Prior to the arrest, Meharang Baloch released a video message on Friday night (March 21, 2025), in which he announced a shutdown and chakka jam across Balochistan. He said, “The Baloch Solidarity Committee announces a shutdown in the entire Balochistan against this harassment and terrorism of the state of Pakistan.”

Government of Pakistan’s response and increasing military repression
The Government of Pakistan and the army have adopted an aggressive policy to suppress the Baloch nationalist movements. Many Baloch workers and leaders were forcibly disappeared. Many protesters were injured in the attack on the picket site. The deployment of the army in Quetta and other areas has been increased. Women and children were also targeted. Byc has termed these actions as “state sponsored terrorism” and condemned the oppressive attitude of the Government of Pakistan.

Are there a civil war situation in Balochistan?
Explain that the conflict between the Pakistani Army and Baloch nationalists in Balochistan may intensify. Increasing repression of the Pakistani army can lead to more agitation. The political situation in Balochistan is also indicating that it is unstable.