The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) party plans to hold a protest near the Chungi No. 9 bus station in Multan, Punjab Province, starting at 17:00 on August 16. The demonstration aims to denounce alleged misgovernance, including economic issues, rising electricity prices, and load shedding. A few hundred people are expected to attend, and the event could face last-minute changes if authorities deny or cancel permission. Security personnel are likely to monitor the protest closely and may move to disperse any overly disruptive crowds. Localized transport disruptions and traffic restrictions are anticipated near the protest site. Authorities may also impose Section 144, which restricts public gatherings and the carrying of arms, potentially leading to roadblocks and clashes between police and activists.
In a related development, Sadia Baloch, a 20-year-old third-year law student at Punjab University, has been suspended for her involvement in a protest against the abduction of a fellow Baloch student. The suspension, communicated to her on August 12, came as she prepared for her exams. The university’s notice, dated June 11, accused Sadia of using objectionable language during an illegal rally organized by Balochistan students, which she disputes.
Sadia claims that the rally was authorized and questions the timing and legitimacy of her suspension. She argues that while student groups affiliated with parties like Jamaat-e-Islami are allowed more freedom, Baloch students face discrimination and repression. Sadia and her supporters view the suspension as a tactic to discourage Baloch’s activism and target her for her recent political activities, including participation in the Baloch National Gathering.
Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, has criticized the university and the state for targeting Baloch students and suppressing their activism. Despite her situation, Sadia remains determined to fight for her rights, even as mainstream media and human rights organizations have largely remained silent on her case. This silence, Mahrang argues, reflects a broader issue of neglect and bias against the Baloch community.
