Implementation of Government-BYC Accord Begins in Balochistan

The implementation of an agreement between the Balochistan government and the Baloch Yakjheti Committee (BYC) has commenced, bringing an end to widespread protests on various roads and national highways in the province. However, symbolic protests continue in Gwadar and on Quetta’s Saryab Road. Traffic has been restored following the removal of containers and barbed wire from Quetta’s Red Zone.

Details of the Agreement

The seven-point agreement was finalized on Thursday night, with signatures from Deputy Commissioner Gwadar Hamood-ur-Rahman and BYC’s Central Organizer Dr. Mahrang Baloch. Key points of the agreement include:

1. Release of Arrested Individuals:
   • Individuals arrested in Balochistan and Karachi in connection with the Raji Muchi protests will be released before the end of the protests.
   • Those on judicial remand will be released by August 15, 2024, following judicial proceedings.
   • The Balochistan provincial government will liaise with the Sindh government to ensure the release of those detained in Sindh.
2. Dismissal of FIRs:
   • All FIRs and registered cases will be dismissed, except those involving casualties.
3. Restoration of Traffic and Services:
   • Roads and highways will be reopened as soon as the sit-in ends.
   • Network and internet services will be restored within 2 to 3 hours after the end of the sit-in.
4. Return of Confiscated Items:
   • Items in government custody will be returned within one hour, with a committee comprising administration and BYC members formed for this purpose.
5. Protection of Protesters:
   • No citizen will be harassed or targeted for actions taken during the protests, and no FIRs related to Raji Muchi will be filed.
   • FIRs will be filed regarding injuries and casualties during the protests and sit-ins.

Implementation and Current Status

The implementation of the agreement began on Friday, leading to the release of 77 individuals detained in Gwadar. A notification from the Home Department directed the IG police and all deputy commissioners to release all individuals arrested since July 24 under 3MPO. Despite this, the sit-in in Gwadar by BYC continues, with leaders stating that the protest will persist until full implementation of the agreement.

Businesses in various areas of Gwadar have started reopening. In Hub, the district administration has reopened the Quetta-Karachi Road from Hub Bypass Chowk, restoring traffic flow on the Quetta-Karachi Highway. Similarly, the Quetta-Taftan Highway has also been reopened for traffic. Roads like Gahi Khan Chowk, Sabzal Road, and others, which were blocked by protesters on Friday morning, have also been reopened by the evening. Containers and barbed wire installed around Quetta’s Red Zone a week ago have been removed, restoring traffic on all roads leading to the Red Zone.

Concerns and Statements

Despite these developments, there are concerns about the full implementation of the agreement. Dr. Mahrang Baloch and Sammi Deen Baloch have expressed dissatisfaction, citing the government’s lack of seriousness. They noted that protesters are not being released across the province, with over 250 FIRs registered in Nushki and raids conducted in Karachi.

“There is no full implementation of the agreement, and the government is not showing seriousness,” they said, indicating ongoing challenges in the agreement’s execution.

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