Families of the Forcibly Disappeared in Kirdgap Continue Protest

Mama Qadeer Baloch Calls for Global Action on Human Rights Violations

QUETTA: Despite the passage of several days, the families of those forcibly disappeared in Kirdgap, Balochistan, remain on the streets, resolute in their protest for justice.

Mama Qadeer Baloch, the vice chairman of the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP), expressed deep concern over the state’s continued neglect of their grievances. He highlighted that state institutions seem more focused on furthering their actions rather than addressing the families’ demands for justice.

Speaking to media outlets, Mama Qadeer Baloch condemned the Pakistani military’s recent actions in the region, particularly the establishment of new checkpoints in Kalat. He warned that such measures would only exacerbate the already dire human rights situation in Balochistan and lead to further violations.

“The families of the forcibly disappeared in Kirdgap have been protesting for several days, but their voices remain unheard. While they continue their fight for justice on the streets, the state turns a blind eye to their suffering,” said Baloch. “The installation of new checkpoints in Kalat is a clear indication of the military’s escalating control and the increasing human rights violations in the region.”

Baloch made these remarks during a visit from political and social activists, including Abdul Hameed Baloch, Faiz Muhammad Baloch, and others, who showed solidarity with the affected families. The visit took place at the VBMP protest camp, which entered its 5,752nd day of a hunger strike demanding the recovery of forcibly disappeared individuals and justice for those extra judicially killed.

In his comments, Mama Qadeer Baloch also referenced Amnesty International’s recent report, which raised alarms over the human rights situation in Balochistan. While acknowledging the international community’s verbal condemnations, Baloch stressed that these expressions of concern were insufficient to halt the long-standing practice of enforced disappearances.

“Statements from international organisations like Amnesty International are vital, but they are not enough. We need concrete action, not just words. We must mobilise global public opinion and create a unified strategy to end this horrific practice that has plagued our region for decades,” he asserted.

The VBMP’s hunger strike continues to draw attention to the ongoing crisis in Balochistan, where enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and human rights abuses remain widespread. Activists and families of the disappeared continued their calls for an end to these violations and the immediate return of those who have been unlawfully detained.