Archive · 9 Aug 2025
Pakistan: Protests Against Disappearances and Travel Restrictions
People are protesting in Pakistan for two reasons.
One group, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), is protesting because their leaders have disappeared and they want them back.
They've been protesting for 24 days and say they are being blocked and harassed.
Another group, Shia pilgrims, are trying to walk to a religious event in Iraq but are stopped by police.
The police say it's for security reasons.
The BYC supports the pilgrims, saying the government is violating their rights by preventing their religious journey.
BYC protest against leaders' disappearance enters its 24th day in Islamabad.
Protesters demand release of leaders and an end to enforced disappearances.
Shia pilgrims' march to Karbala halted by Balochistan police near Sindh border.
Police cite security concerns for blocking pilgrims' travel to Iran/Iraq.
BYC supports the pilgrimage protest, viewing it as a violation of rights.
- Who
- BYC, families of the disappeared, Shia pilgrims, and Balochistan police.
- What
- Protests against enforced disappearances and travel restrictions for religious pilgrimage.
- When
- Protests are ongoing; BYC protest is on its 24th day.
- Where
- Islamabad and near the Sindh-Balochistan border in Pakistan.
- Why
- BYC protests demand release of leaders and end to disappearances, pilgrims protest travel ban to religious sites.
BYC and Pilgrims
Pakistan Government
Rights vs Security
BYC and Pilgrims
Enforced disappearances and travel bans are human rights violations.
Pakistan Government
Government cites security concerns for actions, without acknowledging rights violations.
- Protest Type
- Sit-ins, marches and social media campaigns
- BYC Protest Duration
- 24 days
- Pilgrimage Destination
- Karbala, Iraq
- Pilgrims' Objective
- To reach the Taftan border
- Police Action
- Blockades, surveillance, threats
- Pilgrims' Stance
- Committed to non-violence and protest
