The Islamabad High Court has directed the police to refrain from viewing Baloch protesters as adversaries. During a court session addressing a petition concerning the arrests of Baloch demonstrators and their right to protest, the petitioner’s counsel, protest organizers, and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations were present.
Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb expressed displeasure and questioned the SSP Operations about any instructions given to handle the protesters harshly. He urged restraint.
The petitioner’s lawyer emphasized that 34 arrested protesters remain in custody, with undisclosed identities, and one individual named Zaheer is missing as per the FIR filed at Kohsar police station.
The police officer explained that Zaheer was incarcerated due to pending bail proceedings.
The Advocate General of Islamabad remarked that while it’s easy to blame the government, there are no missing Baloch individuals among the protesters.
The court reminded the SSP Operations that despite numerous protests, they’ve been handled delicately and questioned the basis for treating them as adversaries.
The lawyer disclosed the court’s request for a report explaining the arrest of over 50 Baloch women among the protesters.
Justice Mian Gul Hasan Aurangzeb expressed internal conflict, stating a desire to convey more but refrained.
The Islamabad High Court adjourned the hearing until December 29, instructing the Islamabad police to reveal the identities of the 34 Baloch students and provide a report on the female Baloch protesters.
