Pakistan: Baloch Anger Over Abductions Grows as Punjab University Suspends Student for Protest
Amid growing anger over the abduction of Baloch students in Pakistan, Punjab University has suspended a 20-year-old student, Sadia Baloch, for protesting the disappearance of a fellow student. Sadia, a third-year law student, was suspended after delivering a speech on June 10 in which she protested the abduction. She received the suspension notice on August 12, just a week before her exams.
According to the university's suspension notice, dated June 11, Sadia participated in what was deemed an "illegal rally" on campus. The notice accused her of using "objectionable and propagative words" in her speech, claiming she was attempting to "pollute other students' minds against government institutions."
Sadia expressed confusion over the accusations, questioning whether calling for the release of an abducted Baloch student truly constituted "objectionable and propagative" behavior. She also pointed out the double standards in how student groups are treated, noting that while groups like Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing are allowed to carry guns on campus, Baloch students are punished for raising their voices against the abduction and profiling of their peers.
The suspension comes amid increasing reports of harassment and abduction of Baloch students across Pakistan, including in major cities like Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. These incidents have led to widespread protests from Baloch students, who claim that such actions disrupt their education and subject them to continuous profiling and discrimination.
