Balochistan: NDP Demands Recovery of Political Worker Ghani Baloch
SHAAL, BALOCHISTAN: Six months after the enforced disappearance of political activist Ghani Baloch, the National Democratic Party (NDP) has renewed its demand for his immediate recovery, accusing state institutions of systematically suppressing political activities in Balochistan.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the NDP’s central spokesperson said that Ghani Baloch was abducted on May 25 by Frontier Corps (FC) personnel from a private passenger coach in Khuzdar as he travelled to Karachi. Since then, the spokesperson said, no state institution has disclosed any information regarding his arrest, detention or legal status.
The party described the disappearance as a clear violation of constitutional protections and democratic freedoms. It said that if any allegations existed against Ghani Baloch, he should have been presented before a court and granted a fair trial. Instead, the party argued, his family, friends and political colleagues have been subjected to “collective punishment,” living in fear about his safety and possible mistreatment in custody.
The NDP claimed that enforced disappearances, harassment and restrictions on political activity have become routine in Balochistan and other regions. It pointed to several recent cases, including the August 10 abduction of senior party leader Sana Baloch Khethran from Multan Airport, as well as the disappearances of Zahid Baloch from the Karachi zone and Meer Baloch, the deputy organiser of the Barkhan zone. The statement said these incidents reflect “political victimisation and repression of democratic rights.”
The party demanded the immediate recovery of all missing political workers including Ghani Baloch and an end to what it described as unconstitutional practices by state institutions. It insisted that anyone accused of wrongdoing must be produced before a court and guaranteed due process. It further stated that lifting the “undeclared bans” on political activity is essential for democratic continuity. The NDP reiterated its commitment to continue its struggle for Baloch national and democratic rights, vowing not to remain silent in the face of state pressure.
Social Media Campaign and Webinar Planned
To mark the six months since Ghani Baloch’s disappearance, the NDP announced that it will hold a social media campaign on Wednesday, November 26, and a webinar with further details to be shared soon.
