Pakistan: Activists call off protests in Balochistan Province as of Aug. 9 /update 4

As of Aug. 9, activists affiliated with the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) have canceled their ongoing series of protest campaigns in Balochistan Province. The decision follows a second round of negotiations between the BYC and government officials to address several demands, including releasing arrested protesters and reopening highways. Organizers previously canceled their rallies in early August but resumed their campaign shortly thereafter, claiming that officials had delayed meeting their demands.

Further demonstrations of varying types remain likely over the coming days. Potential gathering sites include prominent government buildings, transportation hubs, sites of foreign investment projects, public squares, press clubs, and thoroughfares. Hundreds of BYC activists previously staged indefinite sit-ins and road blockades in several parts of the province, including Gwadar, Hub, Quetta, Nushki, and Turbat. The action resulted in fuel shortages in various urban centers and prompted the government to suspend mobile internet services in some regions.

Authorities will almost certainly monitor such gatherings and could use force, including baton charges and live ammunition, to disperse overly unruly crowds. Clashes between activists and police are possible. Although there is no publicized threat, the risk of terror attacks remains high across Balochistan Province. Opportunistic attacks by militant Baloch separatist groups, such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), may occur. Typical tactics involve suicide bombings targeting convoys or camps of foreign workers and Pakistani security forces.