Balochistan: Residents protest against enforced disappearances, demand release of missing people

Residents of Parom, a town in Balochistan’s Panjgur district, staged a protest outside a local Frontier Corps (FC) camp demanding the immediate release of their missing family members. They warned that they would intensify their protests if their demands were not addressed.

In a statement, residents claimed that Pakistani forces launched an operation late Thursday night, cordoning off the area and raiding houses. he/she accused the forces of damaging property, stealing valuables and physically abusing local people.

During the operation, four youths Khalil Siddiqui, Abdul Shakoor Saleh, Arshad Rafiq and Muhammad Hashim son Waseem were reportedly taken into custody and have since been missing, with no information about their current whereabouts. Balochistan Post reports.

The protesters have announced that their demonstration will continue until those detained are released and stressed that the forces and local authorities will be held responsible for any damage caused during the protests.

Local sources revealed that all the missing persons were laborers or drivers of vehicles transporting oil. Residents have demanded their immediate release, insisting that the men were not involved in any criminal activities.

Meanwhile, it is the 5659th day of the protest camp organized by Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) outside the Press Club in Quetta. Political and social activists including Muhammad Ali Baloch, Abdul Razzaq Baloch, Mir Bijjar Marri, Tahir Badini and Suresh Bugti arrived from Khuzdar to express their solidarity with the families of the missing persons.

Speaking to the visitors, VBMP Vice President Mama Qadir Baloch criticized the Pakistani state for its ongoing disregard for international human rights standards. he/she condemned the escalating crackdown in areas such as Panjgur, Khuzdar, Kharan, Kalat, Bolan, Dera Bugti and Harnai, where military operations have reportedly intensified in recent weeks.

Mama Qadir also accused state-backed militias of committing atrocities against the Baloch people. Pointing to the increasing number of kidnappings and the discovery of mutilated bodies, he/she called it a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Balochistan.

The people of Balochistan have consistently raised their concerns about enforced disappearances and military operations, yet their demands for justice and accountability have gone unheeded.