Enforced Disappearances in Balochistan: VBMP Protest Camp Marks 6,120 Days
SHAAL, BALOCHISTAN: The protest camp and token hunger strike organised by Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) against enforced disappearances continued for the 6,120th consecutive day outside the Quetta Press Club, underscoring the persistence of one of the region’s most pressing human rights concerns.
The camp, initiated by Nasrullah Baloch and late Mama Qadeer Baloch in 2009, currently led by VBMP Executive Committee member Niaz Muhammad, has become a long-standing symbol of peaceful resistance by families seeking information about their enforced disappeared loved ones. Participants and supporters gathered once again to demand the safe recovery of all missing persons and an immediate halt to enforced disappearances.
During the day, several individuals from different segments of society, including Comrade Manzoor Baloch and Khuda-e-Rahim, visited the site to express solidarity with the affected families. Visitors reiterated calls for urgent action, urging authorities to address the issue without further delay.
Speaking at the camp, Niaz Muhammad highlighted that VBMP has been engaged in a peaceful and constitutional struggle for the past 16 years. He emphasised that despite sustained efforts, the issue remains unresolved, with reports suggesting a continuing rise in enforced disappearances.
“This is a serious human rights issue,” he said, adding that the ongoing situation represents a grave violation of fundamental rights. He also voiced concern over the lack of effective measures to curb the practice.
VBMP leadership called on the government and relevant institutions to take concrete legislative and practical steps to ensure the recovery of missing persons and to prevent future cases. They stressed that meaningful action is necessary to address the crisis, particularly in Balochistan, and to restore public trust.
The protest camp remains ongoing, with families vowing to continue their peaceful demonstration until their demands are met.
