Balochistan: Families Protest Against Enforced Disappearances

Balochistan – Affected families and legal associations, drawing attention to ongoing human rights concerns and a series of enforced disappearances have held protests in Balochistan.

On September 20, 2024, relatives of Zakir Dashti, who went missing from Panjgur district, blocked the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) highway in protest against his non-recovery.

The demonstration, which included women and children, took place at the Saradak location, where the family demanded his immediate release.

According to family members, Dashti was abducted by armed individuals two days prior, and authorities have since remained silent, prompting the family to escalate their demands for action.

In a related incident on the same day, Zahid Baloch, a shopkeeper from Windar in the Lasbela district, was forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces.

Baloch, a resident of Gresha in Khuzdar district, had been living in Winder for several years to manage his business. His family has appealed for public support to help raise awareness and demand his safe return.

Additionally, on Friday Pakistani forces have forcibly disappeared two individuals, Mahboob son of Abul Hasan and Wahab son of Majeed, after taking them into custody at the Duro Kandag check post in Gwadar district, Balochistan.

Following their arrest, both young men have been transferred to an unknown location and have not been seen since.

Earlier, on September 19, the Kech Bar Association, along with lawyers in Gwadar and Quetta, announced a boycott of court proceedings in response to the enforced disappearance of Mudassir Sabir, the brother of Advocate Sheema Sabir.

Mudassir was reportedly abducted by armed individuals at the Turbat Gwadar Stop. The legal community has united in demanding his immediate recovery, warning that if he is not found, they will intensify their protests.

The previous day, on September 18, it was reported that Mudassir Sabir, a 16-year-old student, was taken into custody by Pakistani forces in Turbat and has since gone missing.

His family and the Kech Bar Association condemned his illegal detention and announced a one-day boycott of court proceedings as a form of protest.

These incidents highlight a troubling trend of enforced disappearances in Balochistan, prompting families and legal advocates to seek justice and accountability from the authorities.