QUETTA: The Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP) has strongly condemned the violence and arrests targeting the peaceful procession, protest camp, and employees of the Balochistan Grand Alliance by the provincial government and police.
In a press release issued by the party’s provincial secretariat, PKMAP criticized the police raid on the Grand Alliance protest camp outside the Quetta Press Club, describing the detention of alliance leaders as “regrettable and contrary to democratic values.” The party further denounced the disruption of peaceful democratic activities in the wake of the Balochistan Budget 2026-27.
According to the statement, government employees who raised their voices for legitimate rights and demands were met with tear gas shelling, lathi charges, and humiliation of both men and women—actions the party said violate Pakistan’s high traditions and constitutional guarantees.
“Dissenting voices and peaceful protests are fundamental rights of citizens in any democratic society, which must be respected at all costs,” the statement read.
PKMAP urged the state to resolve employees’ constitutional and legal demands through dialogue rather than force, emphasizing that accountability rests with the government to protect workers’ rights. The party labeled the ruling administration as a “so-called Form 47 government” and called for an end to what it termed “unjust, employee-hostile measures.”
The party demanded full adherence to fundamental rights enshrined in Pakistan’s Constitution, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and organization.
Concluding the statement, PKMAP called for the immediate release of all arrested leaders and employees, the lifting of all unnecessary restrictions on protest activities, and the resolution of employees’ legitimate demands through meaningful negotiations.
