Balochistan: BYC holds another protest amid enforced disappearances

Baloch Yakjehti Committee on Monday held another peaceful protest on the streets of Hub Chowki against the enforced disappearance of Baloch youth despite the police blockade.

The protest was part of an ongoing series under the theme “Breaking the Silence: Standing Against Enforced Disappearances”. “There were families of missing youth, demanding justice for their relatives and sharing tragic stories.

In a post on X, the Baloch Yaqzehti Committee said, “The resistance remains strong, and the voices of the affected families as well as the Baloch cannot be suppressed by roadblocks or violence. This wave of protests against the continuation of Baloch genocide, enforced disappearances will continue across Balochistan. Despite intimidation and attempts to silence, the movement stands strong.”

This was the second protest by BYC after a similar protest held in Karachi, where police used violence and arrested protesters.

Enforced disappearance in Balochistan is a fundamental human rights violation whereby individuals, political activists or civilians can be abducted by government officials or military forces.

Baloch people demanded rights and control over local resources but Pakistani army blocked the voice of demand through violence.

This has had a widespread impact on the society which has created fear in the minds of Baloch nationalists. These nationalists are suppressed with obstacles and violence, plunging the state into misery and uncertainty.

Earlier on October 18, Pakistani security forces had forcibly disappeared three people from Panjgur and Khuzdar districts of Balochistan. Karachi Police later arrested BYC’s central sub-organiser, Lala Wahab Baloch, and four others amid peaceful protests.

Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) is a political and social welfare organization in Balochistan. It protects Baloch rights and unites all nationalists of Balochistan. The committee identifies concerns such as political rights, culture and coordination and welfare for the Baloch community.