Balochistan: Families Demand Release of Missing Youth

QUETTA: In press conference held at the Lasbela Press Club, the family members of forcibly disappeared individuals voiced their anguish and demands for action against the ongoing issue of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan.

Speaking alongside Chairman Imran Baloch, Yasmeen Hamid, sister of missing individuals Junaid Hamid and Yasir Hamid and Rashida Baloch, niece of Naseer Baloch and Nadeem Baloch, called attention to the alarming normalisation of these human rights violations in the Balochistan.

The family members expressed their frustration with government institutions, stating that they have completely failed to address this unconstitutional practice. “The purpose of today’s press conference is to draw the attention of the district administration, provincial and national government institutions to this issue,” Yasmeen Hamid explained. She recounted previous efforts, including a press conference, a three-day symbolic hunger strike, and protests at Hub Bhawani for their missing brothers.

The participants revealed that the families of Naseer Baloch and Nadeem Baloch joined them in their protest. After three days of demonstrating, a written agreement was reached with the district administration. The agreement involved negotiators from the district administration, including the Deputy Commissioner and the SSP of Hub, along with other officials. Under this agreement, the families were assured that if given a 20-day deadline, their brothers would either be safely recovered or information about their whereabouts would be provided.

However, the families complained that promises made during the negotiations have not been fulfilled. “All of this remained only on paper; neither were my brothers recovered nor was any information provided through a JIT meeting,” Yasmeen said, indicating their growing frustration and disappointment.

During the press conference, the family members made a heartfelt plea, stating, “If our brothers Yasir Hamid and Junaid Hamid, along with Naseer Baloch and Nadeem Baloch, are not safely recovered within the next 48 hours, we will hold a sit-in on the road, blocking all traffic indefinitely.” They stressed that the responsibility for this situation lies solely with the district administration and government institutions.

The press conference served as a stark reminder of the ongoing plight faced by families impacted by enforced disappearances in Balochistan, as they continue to seek justice and accountability for their loved ones. The families remain steadfast in their resolve to bring awareness to these issues and demand immediate action from authorities.