Massive Student and Public Protests Erupt in Balochistan Amid Rising Educational and Economic Discontent

The Balochistan Students Alliance, representing students from various academic institutions, organized a significant protest last Thursday, raising their voices against the recent hike in admission test fees for medical and dental colleges in the region. The students, brandishing placards and banners, gathered in front of the Quetta Press Club, demanding immediate action to address the rising costs that are preventing many economically disadvantaged students from pursuing their education.

Criticizing the government's stance on education, the students emphasized the need for policies that make education more accessible, especially for the underprivileged. They called for the rejection of the Pakistan Medical Commission's (PMC) unfair policies and demanded a reduction in registration fees, which they believe are unjustly high.

The unrest in Balochistan is not limited to the education sector. In recent weeks, Pakistan has been experiencing widespread internet disruptions, with users across the country facing connectivity issues. Many report that the internet is either completely down or painfully slow. Despite widespread frustration, internet service providers have remained silent on the issue, while the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has yet to offer any official explanation.

This isn't the first time the government has intervened in internet access. Earlier this year, in the run-up to the February elections, the Pakistani government shut down access to the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), citing national security concerns. Last Wednesday, many users reported difficulties accessing various websites, forcing them to rely on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass the restrictions.

Adding to the growing sense of unrest in the region, there have been significant anti-government protests in Balochistan, primarily driven by discontent over a China-backed airport project in the port city of Gwadar. The project, which is seen as part of the larger China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has sparked anger among the local Baloch population, who feel that their natural resources are being exploited without any tangible benefits for them.

The Baloch Yakzehti Committee (BYC), an organization dedicated to defending the political and socio-economic rights of the Baloch people, has been at the forefront of these protests. They have organized massive rallies across the province, highlighting the systemic issues facing the Baloch people.

Mahrang Baloch, a leader of the BYC, voiced the deep-seated grievances of the Baloch community, accusing the Pakistani authorities of widespread human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Mahrang further alleged that foreign investments, particularly from China, are contributing to what he described as the "genocide" of the Baloch people. "They are looting our resources without bringing any benefits to the local Baloch population," Mahrang stated, underscoring the growing tension between the local community and the central government.

As Balochistan continues to grapple with these complex challenges, the situation remains fluid. The ongoing protests reflect a broader dissatisfaction with both national policies and international investments that are perceived to be exploitative. The coming weeks and months will likely see further developments as both the student community and the broader Baloch population continue to demand their rights and fair treatment.

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