Balochistan: Sisters Threaten Protest if Loved Ones Not Released Within Three Days

QUETTA: The sisters of Ataullah son of Noor Bakhsh and Yaseen Hamid both residents of Shahi Tump and Bahman, Balochistan, held a press conference at the Turbat Press Club today to voice their deep concerns over the enforced disappearance of their brothers.

The women demanded the immediate release of Ataullah and Yaseen, who have been missing for months.

Ataullah’s sister, addressing the press, revealed that her brother was abducted on the night of October 13, 2024. In response to his disappearance, the family staged a protest sit-in at Fida Chowk.

After negotiations with local authorities, the Assistant Commissioner of Turbat assured them that Ataullah would be recovered within three weeks. Based on this assurance, the protest was temporarily suspended. However, after a month of no progress, Ataullah’s family is now demanding urgent action.

“If my brother is not recovered within the next three days, we will launch an indefinite sit-in, which will continue until the missing persons are brought back to us,” said Ataullah’s sister, expressing frustration over the lack of progress.

She further emphasised that Ataullah was a hardworking labourer who supported his family by sewing clothes. His disappearance, now lasting four months, has left his family in anguish, while the authorities have remained silent.

Yaseen Hamid’s sister also spoke during the press conference, sharing that her brother was also abducted on the same night, October 13. She called for his immediate recovery, stating that he was innocent. Yaseen’s family also warned of further protests, including blocking the D. Baloch Road, if their brother is not released soon.

“We demand that if our brothers have been accused of anything, they should be presented in court. If no charges exist, they should be released immediately,” Yaseen’s sister stated.

Both families expressed that their parents are suffering immense emotional distress due to their sons’ continued disappearance. The families also condemned the government’s silence, which they said has compounded their pain.