Balochistan: VBMP Protest Against Enforced Disappearances Continues Amid Threats

SHAAL, BALOCHISTAN: The protest camp organised by Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) against enforced disappearances in Balochistan has continued for more than 6,170 consecutive days, as activists and political figures raise alarm over threats against the organisation and a broader crackdown on human rights defenders in Balochistan.

According to VBMP, the camp outside the Quetta Press Club entered its 6,173rd consecutive day this week. The organisation said it has repeatedly faced threats and pressure aimed at forcing it to shut down the long-running protest and abandon its campaign for the recovery of enforced disappeared persons.

VBMP Chairman Nasrullah Baloch stated that the threats were intended to silence voices speaking out against human rights violations and enforced disappearances in Balochistan. He said the organisation would continue its peaceful struggle despite intimidation.

Nasrullah Baloch also rejected official claims that the issue of enforced disappearances had been resolved, adding that disappearances were ongoing and victims of enforced disappearances were not being presented before courts. An increase in incidents of extrajudicial killings continued to be reported.

The organisation said its protest camp has been disrupted multiple times in the past and claimed that members of its executive body were threatened again recently in an effort to dismantle the demonstration. VBMP described the threats as an attack on freedom of speech and peaceful political activism.

Political activists and rights campaigners in Balochistan have also voiced concern over the growing pattern of violence and intimidation targeting Baloch activists, students, intellectuals and human rights defenders.

Activists cited the recent killing of Ghamkhowar Hayat Baloch as an example of increasing state repression in Balochistan. They alleged that Baloch political workers and campaigners have long faced threats, violence, and persecution.

During the protest, Hidayat ur Rehman, provincial chief of Jamaat-e-Islami in Balochistan and a member of the provincial assembly from Gwadar, visited the camp with a delegation and expressed solidarity with the families of missing persons.

Hidayat ur Rehman condemned attempts to pressure VBMP leaders into ending their campaign, saying threats against peaceful activists amounted to suppressing democratic voices. He warned that using force against peaceful political movements would deepen mistrust in state institutions and further worsen conditions in Balochistan.

The lawmaker said he would raise the matter of threats against VBMP leaders in the provincial assembly and urged the government to provide full protection to the protest camp and its organisers.

Throughout the day, individuals from different walks of life visited the camp to express solidarity with the families of missing persons. Participants demanded an end to enforced disappearances and called for the immediate recovery of all missing individuals.

Rights groups say enforced disappearances have remained a contentious issue in Balochistan for years, with families and advocacy organisations repeatedly urging authorities to disclose the whereabouts of missing persons.

Activists and campaigners have appealed to people across Balochistan and international human rights organisations to take notice of the situation and press for accountability, warning that political activists and human rights defenders continue to face increasing risks in Balochistan.