Protests erupt in Balochistan after airstrike

A Pakistani military airstrike in Surab, Balochistan, on Tuesday sparked violent protests after it allegedly killed over 20 people, including women and children, and injured at least 16 others. The attack, which occurred in the Gidar Goandhan area, prompted local residents and police to transport the injured and deceased to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Surab for treatment.

Some witnesses claim that the death toll may be higher than initially reported, as the Pakistani military or security authorities have not officially confirmed the incident or the casualty figures.

In response, relatives of the victims and local residents formed a sit-in protest on the N-25 Quetta-Karachi highway at Surab's main square, causing severe traffic congestion. Protesters vowed to continue their demonstration until their demands were addressed. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) condemned the airstrike, expressing deep concern over the civilian casualties and demanding accountability.

The organization branded the bombing of a populated area as an instance of state terrorism and called on various groups, including traders, political activists, and civil society representatives, to join the shutdown across Balochistan.

Sardar Akhtar Mengal, the leader of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), expressed skepticism regarding the reported targeting of civilians and children, questioning whether they could be considered militants. He also criticized the idea that peace could be achieved by killing children. Lawyer and political commentator Sajid Tareen Advocate echoed these sentiments on social media, describing the reported casualties as tragic and offering his solidarity with the affected families.