Pakistan: Baloch activists raise alarm over closure of Abdohi border

Quetta, June 27 (IANS) Human rights activists from Balochistan on Friday slammed the Pakistani authorities for continuous closure of the Abdohi border in Kech district, describing it as a form of economic exploitation by Islamabad.

"Since March 19, the Abdohi border in Kech has remained closed, severing a crucial source of income for hundreds of families in Balochistan. With no alternative livelihoods and rising economic distress, the closure has pushed communities into hunger and uncertainty," read a statement issued by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a human rights organisation from the Pakistani province.

Local traders, labourers and civilians held a peaceful sit-in protest on second consecutive day as protesters vowed to continue their agitation until the border is reopened and their economic survival is secured.

The BYC accused that rather than engaging in dialogue, Pakistani authorities attempted to suppress the protest as security forces used baton charges and force to intimidate and disperse the demonstrators.

Despite this, the rights body stated, the protestors continue to hold their ground, demanding an end to policies that deliberately marginalise them.

"The prolonged closure is not just a logistical issue but part of a larger pattern of control, where economic pressure is used as a tool to subjugate. In Balochistan, where corruption and underdevelopment already limit opportunities, closing the border has created a humanitarian crisis which is affecting everyone and frustration continues to build," said the BYC.

Urging authorities to immediately reopen the border, the BYC called for respecting the rights of citizens and halt in use of force against peaceful demonstrations. It also mentioned that ignoring these demands risks deepening of resentment and resistance among a population already pushed to the brink.

People from Balochistan are currently fighting for their independence from Pakistan.

Various human rights organisations of Balochistan have time and again highlighted the repression by Pakistani forces in the province, which includes violent raids on the homes of Baloch leaders and civilians, unlawful arrests, enforced disappearances, the 'kill and dump' policy, detention under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, and the filing of fabricated police cases.

--IANS

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