Balochistan: Rally Held for Release of Wahid Kambar in Turbat

QUETTA: A rally was held in the central city of Turbat, Kech district, on Thursday 19 December, demanding the recovery of Ustaad Wahid Kambar, a prominent Baloch pro-freedom leader.

The rally was organized by citizens, his family, and political activists to raise their voices against the ongoing issue of forced disappearances in Balochistan.

A large number of participants, including women, children, and young people, took part in the protest. The rally specifically aimed to highlight the case of Ustaad Wahid Kambar, known for his active role in the Baloch independence movement.

He was abducted on July 19 from Kerman, Iran. His family and Baloch freedom organisations maintain that he was kidnapped by Pakistani intelligence agencies and taken to Pakistan, where they believe he is currently held in the custody of Pakistani forces.

 The protest was organised by his relatives and Baloch political groups have demanded justice and accountability.

During the rally, participants carried photographs of Ustaad Wahid Kambar and other missing individuals, while chanting slogans demanding an end to enforced disappearances. Local citizens, the family of Wahid Kambar, and various political groups gathered to show solidarity in the ongoing struggle for Baloch rights.

Speaking at the rally, Wahid Kambar’s daughter, Mehlab Baloch, addressed the crowd, saying, “My father has always been part of the Baloch political struggle and has consistently advocated for Baloch rights. Pakistan has unlawfully abducted and imprisoned him.”

Mehlab Baloch further emphasised, “We demand that he be presented to the court and given the opportunity for a fair trial.”

She also called upon human rights organisations, particularly the Red Cross, to intervene and provide protection for Ustaad Wahid Kambar as a political prisoner.

Protesters at the rally condemned the state’s actions and called for the immediate recovery of Ustaad Wahid Kambar, stressing that the ongoing state violence and efforts to silence Baloch dissidents have worsened the situation in Balochistan.

Other relatives of missing persons also presented their demands for the safe return of their loved ones. They criticised the state for reinforcing its narrative rather than providing justice through courts or independent commissions.

The rally concluded with participants calling for the release of all missing individuals, including Ustaad Wahid Kambar, and an end to the ongoing human rights violations in Balochistan. They pledged to continue their fight for justice and the rights of the Baloch people.