Majority of 51 people killed in ethnic violence of Karachi were innocent Baluch, yet the state arrested over 50 Baluch youth

Pakistani city of Karachi is once again in-gulfed by ethnic violence. The hostility started between Pashtuns and Urdu speaking population led by MQM during a by-election. It eventually was diverted to Baluch localities where within 24 hours 8 Baluch men were shot dead, Tuesday.


Thereafter, a group of around 24 armed men attacked a ‘second-hand spare-parts market’ near a Baluch neighbourhood killing 12 people. Reports suggested that some of those killed in this incident were Urdu speaking. The blame of this attack was put on Baluch and immediately after an un-official curfew imposed in Baluch areas.


Since the start of the unofficial curfew over 50 Baluch youth have been arrested and a house to house search is undergoing. While a blockade imposed on other Baluch localities in and around Karachi city. Baluch in these areas are barred from going out for buying food supplies.


There are reports published in Pakistani news sites that state officials have decided in principle to impose an official curfew in some areas of the city.


As the MQM has been continuously demanding army operation against the Baluch activist in and around Karachi, fear of Baluch people’s victimisation during the curfew. MQM seeking full political control of the city and sees the large pro-PPP Baluch population as an obstacle.