Autistic climate justice activist Greta Thunberg and youngest-ever Nobel laureat Malala Yousafzai raised their voice against alleged torture and misconduct by the Islamabad Capital Police (ICT) at Baloch protesters in the capital.

The ICT police officials denied any alleged misconduct against protesters. In a tweet, the Islamabad Police said that there are 200 people on the grounds outside the National Press Club and only peaceful protests are allowed outside the National Press Club as per the rules and regulations.

"No rally or assembly is allowed towards the High-Security Zone and Islamabad Police is present outside the National Press Club to protect the protestors given security measures and threats," the statement reads.

The ICT Police cautioned people about their surroundings and asked citizens not to allow anyone to enter the security fence and urged citizens to cooperate with Islamabad Police and play their role in maintaining peace.

نیشنل پریس کلب کے باہر گراؤنڈ میں 200 افراد موجود ہیں۔

نیشنل پریس کلب کے باہر قواعد و ضوابط کے مطابق پر امن احتجاج کی اجازت ہے۔

ہائی سیکیورٹی زون کی طرف ریلی یا اجتماع کی اجازت نہیں ہے۔

حفاظتی اقدامات اور خطرات کے پیش نظر نیشنل پریس کلب کے باہر مظاہرین کی حفاظت کے لیے اسلام…
— Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) December 23, 2023

Greta tweeted: "Climate justice activists all over the world stand in solidarity with Mahrang Baloch and other peaceful protesters who have been detained, tortured and disrupted by Islamabad police for protesting against human rights abuses in Balochistan."

Climate justice activists all over the world stand in solidarity with @MahrangBaloch_ and other peaceful protesters who have been detained, tortured and disrupted by Islamabad police for protesting against human rights abuses in Balochistan.#MarchAgainstBalochGenocide
— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) December 22, 2023

Youngest-ever Nobel laureat Malala Yousafzai said: "I stand with my Baloch sisters who are demanding accountability against enforced disappearances. It is their right to protest peacefully and their voices must be heard."

I stand with my Baloch sisters who are demanding accountability against enforced disappearances. It is their right to protest peacefully and their voices must be heard. https://t.co/lvgkhQGVbf
— Malala Yousafzai (@Malala) December 22, 2023

Earlier, Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday intervened in the arrest of Baloch protesters, directing the Inspector General (IG) Islamabad to release Baloch women and children while allowing the protesters to express their grievances peacefully.

Chief Justice Aamir Farooq presided over the hearing of a petition challenging the arrests, expressing dissatisfaction with the police inspector's initial court appearance.

Responding to the Chief Justice's order, IG Islamabad, Dr Akbar Nasir Khan, promptly appeared in court, where advocates Attaullah Kundi, Iman Mazari, and Zainab Janjua represented the petitioner.

During the hearing, Chief Justice Amir Farooq questioned the presence of women and children in custody, emphasising their right to peaceful protest.

Upon which, the IG stated that a bus had been arranged for those who wanted to leave, prompting the Chief Justice to direct the IG to hand over the detained individuals to administrators for a peaceful resolution.

IG Islamabad informed the court that 216 people were detained, with 34 in judicial custody and one on physical remand. The Chief Justice instructed the IG to provide a written report detailing the arrests, the number of women detained, and the actions taken by the police.

Senior journalist Hamid Mir, present in court, alleged police misconduct, stating that women were being dragged and mistreated. Chief Justice Amir Farooq condemned such actions, questioning the state of law enforcement and expressing concern over rising street crimes.

The petitioner's lawyer, Attaullah Kundi, informed the court that the police claimed to have received instructions from the Prime Minister to send the protesters back to Balochistan. Kundi asserted that the police forcibly loaded women and students onto buses, causing the drivers to refuse cooperation.

IG apologises for misbehavior; Chief Justice criticises handling of protest

IG Islamabad issued an apology to Hamid Mir, acknowledging the inappropriateness of the behavior towards the senior journalist.

Chief Justice Amir Farooq criticised the handling of the protest, emphasizing the need for a civilized approach in dealing with such situations.

Baloch Unity March detainees released after negotiations

No bar on protests; Baloch marched as relatives picked up: IHC