Thousands of protesters, including a majority of women, have been detained by Pakistani security agencies as they joined the Long March against the Baloch genocide in Balochistan province. The Long March was organized by the Baloch Yakjehti committee to raise awareness of the human rights violations in Balochistan. The protests, which began a few weeks ago, have gained momentum as the protesters march from Turbat to Islamabad via Quetta, demanding an end to the enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings of the Baloch people. The activists have been met with resistance from state forces, who have detained and arrested several Baloch activists under the pretext of negotiations.

The Long March has garnered support from people in various cities, with protests taking place in Barkhan and Dera Ghazi Khan in solidarity with the cause. However, the protesters have faced intimidation and violence from the authorities, with reports of torture and arrests by the police. The situation in Balochistan has escalated following heavy investment by China in Gwadar as part of its multi-billion dollar CPEC project. The province, which is rich in natural resources, has been the center of a human rights crisis, with security forces engaging in forceful abductions and killings of Baloch youth.

The recent rise in cases of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances has sparked widespread protests and calls for justice. The Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) reported an alarming increase in cases of human rights violations throughout the region, with 65 incidents of enforced disappearances and 39 extrajudicial killings recorded in November alone. The Long March aims to bring attention to these violations and demand justice for the victims. Mah Rang Baloch of the Baloch Yakjehti committee reiterated the need to address the issue of extrajudicial killings and ensure the rights of the Baloch people. The protesters remain steadfast in their commitment to continue the Long March until their voices are heard in Islamabad.