Islamabad, 07 August (H.S.): A curfew was suddenly imposed in Surab district of Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province from 6 pm on August 6, citing security concerns. The restrictions will remain in force until 8 am on August 8. Soon after the announcement, people shut down shops and commercial establishments across the district.

Meanwhile, the Baloch Students Action Committee has alleged that five Baloch students of the University of Karachi were forcibly taken away by Pakistan Rangers from the Gulshan-e-Iqbal area of Karachi.

According to a report by *The Balochistan Post*, information reaching the provincial headquarters Quetta on Friday morning stated that the Surab district administration had warned residents against leaving their homes unnecessarily. The administration reportedly said that those violating the curfew could be shot and would be held responsible for any possible consequences. Surab is located in central Balochistan along the Quetta-Karachi National Highway.

Earlier, curfews had also been imposed in Kalat and Mastung districts of Balochistan. Restrictions have reportedly remained in place in Zehri and Nushki for several months. Human rights activists have alleged that Baloch groups demanding greater rights and autonomy are being subjected to repression in the province.

A spokesperson for the Baloch Students Action Committee claimed that both the provincial and federal governments were carrying out alleged actions against civilians as well as students. The spokesperson further alleged that five Baloch youths residing in Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Iqbal area were abducted by Pakistan Rangers.

The Baloch Students Action Committee said that all five individuals are students of the University of Karachi. They have been identified as Azhar and Ghaus Bakhsh, sons of Hayat; Shahzad, son of Shahid; Anees, son of Azeem; and Waseem Baloch, son of Mohammad Amin.

According to the committee, the students were taken away after a raid on a rented apartment in Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Iqbal area at around 2 am on Wednesday night. The group alleged that they were assaulted before being forcibly taken away along with their belongings. All five students were reportedly residing in the apartment on rent.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar