Quetta: Reports of enforced disappearances continue to surface from Balochistan even as four previously missing persons have been released, raising renewed concerns over human rights in the region. According to The Balochistan Post, the cases involve journalists, students, and ordinary citizens, with families and rights groups intensifying their calls for accountability.
Journalist among the newly disappeared
Among the latest cases is Sher Khan Marri, a journalist from Kohlu, who was allegedly taken away by police and plainclothes personnel in Sibi. His family has confirmed that he has been missing since the arrest. Colleagues highlighted that Sher Khan had been active on social media, often writing about enforced disappearances, making his abduction particularly alarming for press freedom advocates.
Human rights organisations and journalist unions have strongly condemned the incident, demanding Sher Khan’s immediate and safe recovery.
Mixed outcomes in other cases
While fresh disappearances have been reported, some families have seen partial relief. Three individuals—Mujeeb, Amjad, and Waleed—who had been missing for a month from Tump in Kech district, were released recently. However, Rashid, who was abducted along with them, remains untraceable.
In another case, the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) confirmed the release of Asad Usman Baloch, a resident of Mand in Kech. Asad had reportedly been detained at Karachi Airport following his deportation from Bahrain on 28 August last year.
Growing protests in Islamabad
As disappearances continue, protests have intensified across Pakistan. In Islamabad, families of the missing have been staging a sit-in for over two months. Their key demands include the release of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders and an end to enforced disappearances.
However, protesters have alleged harassment by authorities. According to The Balochistan Post, their sit-in camp was dismantled, water and electricity supplies were cut off, and media coverage was restricted. Despite the peaceful nature of their demonstration, families say their appeals remain unheard.
Karachi protest highlights personal toll
In Karachi, another protest has been ongoing for more than 40 days outside the Press Club, led by the family of Zahid Ali Baloch, a university student and rickshaw driver who disappeared several months ago. Zahid’s father, who is suffering from hepatitis, collapsed during the protest, highlighting the severe strain on affected families. His mother described Zahid as the family’s sole breadwinner, noting that his disappearance has left them in deep financial and emotional distress.
Persistent calls for accountability
Despite sustained protests and appeals from civil society, enforced disappearances in Balochistan remain unresolved. Human rights groups and activists continue to demand that the government ensure justice and bring accountability for the recurring abductions.
The plight of missing persons’ families underscores a broader human rights crisis, with international attention increasingly turning toward Pakistan’s handling of the situation. For many families, however, the wait for answers and safe return of their loved ones continues.