Police crackdown on Baloch protesters aimed at avoiding ‘catastrophe’: interim minister

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Following widespread condemnations over the police crackdown against Baloch protestors in Islamabad, the caretaker federal government on Thursday clarified that the force was used to avoid a “catastrophe”.

Addressing a joint press conference flanked by caretaker ministers Fawad Hasan Fawad and Jamal Shah, Information Minister Murtaza Solangi said that in line with the directions of caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, a committee has been formed to hold talks with the Baloch protestors.

“From the government side, Fawad Hasan Fawad spoke with the protestors,” he added.

The negotiation committee— headed by the privatisation minister — assured the protesters of addressing all of their grievances.

Following the development, the government ordered to release of all the protesting women, who were taken into custody during the police crackdown yesterday night. 

It is pertinent to mention here that the people were protesting against the “extra-judicial killing” of a Baloch youth by the Counter-Terrorism Department officials in Turbat earlier this month. 

The long march led by Baloch women, which started on December 6, reached Islamabad on Wednesday (yesterday).