Balochistan: Sit-In Protest Continue in Hub, Relative Demand Release of Loved Ones

QUETTA: Relatives of missing persons held a press conference to provide updates on their ongoing sit-in protest in the industrial city of Hub Chowki, demanding the recovery of their loved ones who have been forcibly disappeared.

The protest, which has been ongoing for 24 hours at Hub Bhawani, has seen an increase in participation, with six families now present at the sit-in site.

During the press conference, the protesters shared the details of their ongoing struggle. They highlighted the case of Chakr Bugti Baloch, who was abducted on November 15, 2024, in front of the Hub Toyota Company. Despite assurances from local authorities during a visit to the protest site yesterday, the family remains adamant that they will not leave until their loved one is found.

According to the family, the police acknowledged that Chakr is currently in their custody, offering a video call with him, which they argue confirms his detention.

The families also presented other cases of forced disappearances. Naoroz Islam Baloch, who was taken from his home on November 11, 2024, is reported to be a victim of his third abduction.

Junaid Hamid Baloch was forcibly disappeared on October 8, 2024, followed by his brother, Yasser Hamid Baloch, on October 11, 2024. Additionally, Nasir Jan Baloch was abducted from his home in Amirabad, Hub, on November 30, 2024, while Nadeem Baloch has been missing since March 4, 2021, along with two of his brothers. One of the brothers was killed during the abduction, while the other, Jamil Ahmad, was recently recovered in 2024.

The families also expressed concern about the authorities’ actions, stating that the network around the protest site has been shut down, making it difficult for them to communicate and mobilise further. They fear that the state may be attempting to use its notorious tactics to undermine the protest.

However, they have called on the people of Hub and surrounding areas to join them in their fight, emphasising the importance of unity in their cause. “We will not leave here,” said the protesters adding that “We will continue our protest until our loved ones are safely returned. We urge the state to act quickly, or else we will take further action.”

The protesters have given the authorities an additional 24 hours to ensure the recovery of the missing persons, warning that failure to act will result in an escalation of the protest. The families are determined to remain at the sit-in site until their demands are met, as they continue their fight for justice and the safe return of their loved ones.