Baloch Families Enter Second Day of Peaceful Protest in Islamabad Amid Rain, Repression and Official Silence
ISLAMABAD: The families of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders and victims of enforced disappearances continued their peaceful protest in Islamabad for a second consecutive day, despite relentless rainfall, state restrictions, and the denial of basic humanitarian support.
Among the protestors are young children who have grown up without their fathers. Ten-year-old Seerat Marri, daughter of Mehr Gul Marri—a Grade 18 officer in the Department of Agriculture who was forcibly disappeared nearly a decade ago—has demanded his release. Alongside her stood Masooma Baloch, also 10, whose father Jhanzaib was abducted from their Quetta home when she was just three months old.
“This is the age we should be in school,” said Masooma. “But we are protesting on the streets for our fathers.” Both girls appealed for the immediate release of their loved ones, Dr. Mahrang Baloch, her detained colleague, and all other missing persons.
Since their arrival on July 16 from Balochistan, the protestors—including women, children, and the elderly—have been met with heavy police presence and denied permission to erect tents, leaving them exposed to harsh weather. Rights advocates have condemned the Islamabad administration’s handling of the protest, calling it an assault on peaceful dissent and a violation of fundamental rights.
In Quetta, meanwhile, the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) protest camp entered its 5,882nd day in front of the Quetta Press Club. The camp, led by VBMP Executive Committee member Niaz Mohammad Nechari, continues to demand justice for thousands of Baloch missing persons.
VBMP Chairman Nasrullah Baloch released a statement expressing solidarity with the families protesting in Islamabad. He confirmed that the relatives of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Shah Jee Sabghat, Bebarg Baloch, Gulzadi, Beebow Baloch, Ghaffar Baloch, and Imran Baloch are among those participating in the second day of peaceful protest outside the Islamabad Press Club.
Nasrullah Baloch stated that female protestors have reported harassment by the Islamabad administration, describing it as a direct attack on the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. “Harassing women peacefully protesting outside the press club is a blatant violation of basic civil rights,” he said, strongly condemning the authorities’ actions.
He called on the federal government to take immediate notice of the Islamabad protest and initiate meaningful dialogue with the protestors. He demanded the unconditional release of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, other detained BYC leaders, and the recovery of all forcibly disappeared individuals. He urged the government to resolve the issue of enforced disappearances within the framework of national laws.
Despite rain, fatigue, and ongoing repression, the protestors in Islamabad remain unwavering, determined to continue their peaceful demonstration until their demands are heard.
