Balochistan: Family of Abducted Youth Demands His Safe Recovery
QUETTA: The family of Sohail Abdullah, a young man from Tehsil Tump Dazn in Kech, has appealed for his safe recovery after he was forcibly disappeared five months ago.
The appeal came during a press conference held by Sohail’s sister at the Turbat Press Club, where she highlighted the ongoing struggle of the family in the face of no progress in the case.
Sohail Abdullah was abducted from Bahman on October 11, 2024, and his whereabouts remain unknown despite the family’s continuous efforts to raise their voices for his recovery.
His sister stated that Sohail, who is a psychiatric patient undergoing regular treatment, had previously been a victim of enforced disappearance in 2022. After being held for a month in captivity, he was released but endured severe physical and mental torture during his time in captivity.
The situation has been compounded by a traumatic accident Sohail suffered while travelling from Gwadar to Turbat when he fell from a truck and fractured both his arms and legs. Due to the seriousness of his injuries, Sohail required ongoing medical treatment. His relatives took him to Bahman for proper care, but on October 11, 2024, he was forcibly disappeared once again.
The press conference also revealed that, in addition to Sohail, four other young men were also abducted in Bahman at the same time. These individuals were released after four months of captivity, but Sohail Abdullah remains missing. The uncertainty surrounding his fate has placed tremendous emotional and mental strain on the family.
Sohail’s father, devastated by the disappearance of his son, succumbed to severe mental stress and passed away just a month ago. He had spent his final days waiting for justice and hoping for his son’s safe return, but the lack of progress in the case contributed to his untimely death.
The Abdullah family is now urgently calling upon human rights organizations, civil society, and international bodies such as the United Nations to take action and demand the recovery of Sohail Abdullah.
They emphasised that it is a grave violation of human rights to keep a psychiatric patient and physically weakened young man in enforced disappearance, and they fear for Sohail’s life and health with each passing day.
“We are extremely worried about Sohail’s life,” said his sister. “He is not a normal person and is seriously ill. If he remains missing for much longer, we fear for his health and safety.”
The family continues to endure unimaginable distress as they wait for answers, and their plea for justice echoes throughout Balochistan, demanding the safe return of Sohail Abdullah.
