Balochistan: Authorities Given Two Days to Release Disappeared Individuals or Risk Protests

QUETTA: The relatives of six enforced disappeared men from the Kech district of Balochistan have threatened to hold a protest if their loved ones are not presented publicly or if no information is provided regarding their whereabouts within the next two days.

In a press conference at the Turbat Press Club today, the families shared details of the cases and demanded the immediate release or appearance of their missing loved ones.

A family member from Turbat Apser revealed that on December 10, Pakistani security forces detained three brothers, Ehsan Manzoor, Ittifaq Afzal Manzoor and Hamid Manzoor, and transferred them to an undisclosed location.

Since that day, the three brothers have been forcibly disappeared.

Additionally, another woman present at the press conference shared that three members of her family had also been subjected to enforced disappearances. She explained that Shamsuddin had been forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces four years ago in Turbat.

This month, two more relatives, Shahab and Abdul Wahab, were taken by security forces, with Shahab detained 18 days ago and Abdul Wahab missing for the past five days.

The relatives expressed deep concern, stating that the disappearances have caused immense distress and left the families in a state of uncertainty and grief.

During the press conference, the families issued a public appeal, requesting that if their loved ones are guilty of any crimes, they should be presented in court and allowed a transparent trial. This, they argued, would provide justice and closure to the grieving families.

They urged the local government and relevant authorities to take immediate action to ensure the safe return of their loved ones and to provide them with the information they have been desperately seeking.

The relatives also issued a warning to local authorities in Kech, demanding that if their loved ones are not released or if no information is provided within the next two days, they will be forced to stage a protest.

They further added that the protest could take place at any significant location, including along the CPEC route, with details to be announced later..

The relatives of the disappeared men emphasised that the full responsibility for the situation would lie with the district administration and authorities.