Protests Led by Women in Pakistan's Capital Lead to Hundreds Arrested and Tear Gas Being Fired

In Islamabad, Pakistani police used tear gas and water cannons to break up protests led by women. Around 200 people, including protest leader Mahrang Baloch, were arrested upon their entry into the capital. These demonstrations have been taking place across the country for weeks, with participants protesting against alleged enforced disappearances of men in Balochistan province. The protests were triggered by the death of a Baloch man whose family claims he was fatally shot while in police custody. The protesters were met by police officers blocking their access to the Red Zone, which houses important government buildings. Many videos shared on social media captured chaotic scenes of officers forcing protesters into police vehicles, with some individuals shown injured and in distress. Enforced disappearances in Balochistan have been a long-lasting issue, with allegations dating back to the early 2000s. Baloch women have been advocating for justice and global attention for their missing loved ones. The most recent trigger for these protests was the disappearance and subsequent death of Balach Mola Bakhsh, who was taken into custody by counter-terrorism police and allegedly found with explosives. However, his family dispute the terrorism claims and insist he died while in police custody. The protesters demand an end to enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and accountability for those responsible for the alleged extrajudicial killings of young Baloch individuals. Protest leader Mahrang Baloch, before her arrest, emphasized the peaceful nature of their movement, stating that they will not be deterred by authorities' attempts to silence them.