Baloch Rickshaw Drivers Protest Against Violence

The protesters, hailed from different parts of Lyari, chanted slogans against the government and its coalition partner

Afraid of the prevailing law and order situation in the city and haunted by the fear of entering certain areas, Baloch rickshaw drivers demanded on Thursday that the government provide them security or they would take weapons into their hands.

Several drivers, who had gathered at the Aath Chowk, near Lea Market, reached the Mauripur road and blocked it for nearly two hours, causing a massive traffic jam from Sher Shah to the Native Jetty Bridge.

The protesters, hailed from different parts of Lyari, chanted slogans against the government and its coalition partner. “We can’t go outside Lyari. Baloch are kidnapped and killed,” said Munawar.

Gul Muhammad Baloch, 66, told The Express Tribune that his son was kidnapped on Wednesday, but managed to escape. “Some terrorists kidnapped him. I have directed him not to go outside the area.” A Pathan driver said that the Baloch were not the only victims. “I support this protest. We are [poor] and are not affiliated with any party.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 22nd, 2012.