Protest in Quetta Demands Safe Release of Missing Baloch Citizen

Protest in Quetta Demands Safe Release of Missing Baloch Citizen (x@Balochyakjehti)

VoM News Desk | July 4, 2024 | 11:16 PM IST | Breaking News, Pakistan News, World | Follow on Google News

Protest in Quetta Demands Safe Release of Missing Baloch Citizen

Protest in Quetta Demands Safe Release of Missing Baloch Citizen

Key Highlights:

1. Family of Zaheer Baloch stages sit-in protest demanding his safe release.
2. Surge in enforced disappearances in Balochistan by Pakistani agencies.
3. Previous protests have seen unfulfilled promises from authorities.

The family of Zaheer Baloch, a Baloch citizen missing for the last nine years, organized a sit-in protest in Quetta on Thursday, demanding his safe release, according to the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). The protest took place on Sariyab Road, where the family also called for the lodging of an FIR against those responsible for his abduction.

Zaheer Baloch is one of many victims of enforced disappearances in Pakistan’s Balochistan. The BYC reported that he was abducted on June 27 without any charges. In a post on X, the BYC stated, “Zaheer Baloch is among the latest victims. His family has staged a sit-in and road blockade protest, demanding his safe recovery and the filing of an FIR against those in the Baloch Genocide CTD who abducted him without charges.”

Incidents of enforced disappearances have risen sharply in Balochistan, allegedly orchestrated by Pakistani security and intelligence agencies. The BYC emphasized that such “brutal practices” have become a “tragic norm” in the region. Despite condemnation from international organizations and resistance from the Baloch people, the state continues these disappearances.

In a related incident, family members in Turbat ended a 15-day sit-in after district authorities assured them their loved ones would be released within ten days. However, many believe that the authorities have failed to keep their promises, leaving victims to suffer.

Last month, the BYC highlighted the plight of families affected by enforced disappearances. They protested at Shaheed Fida Chowk in Turbat, demanding the return of loved ones missing since Eid. Despite previous assurances from the District Administration, no state authority has addressed their demands. The protesters included families of victims like Fateh, Nisar Karim, Rafiq, Meeras Hussain, and Jan Mohammad, all missing since 2023.

Source: Dawn

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