Balochistan: Father Hospitalised Amid Ongoing Protest for Son’s Recovery
SHAAL (QUETTA: Abdul Hameed Baloch, the father of Zahid Ali, a young student subjected to enforced disappearance in Karachi, has been hospitalised after his health deteriorated due to illness and prolonged protest.
According to family members, Abdul Hameed is suffering from hepatitis and was transferred to a hospital on Monday following a sudden decline in his condition. He was initially taken to a local clinic before being moved to a hospital, where he remains under treatment.
Despite his illness, Abdul Hameed had been leading a protest camp outside the Karachi Press Club for over six weeks, demanding the safe recovery of his son, Zahid Ali, who was abducted by Pakistani security forces.
Speaking to the media, Zahid Ali’s mother expressed frustration over the lack of response from authorities. “We have knocked on every door in search of justice, but no one has listened,” she said. “We have filed a case in court and registered an FIR at the local police station, yet the state institutions refuse to even acknowledge Zahid’s arrest.”
She demanded that if her son is accused of any crime, he should be brought before a court of law. “We will not accept secret detentions and unconstitutional tactics. If he is guilty, prove it in court, not through silence and disappearance.”
Zahid Ali’s mother also shared the devastating impact of the incident on the family. “My son is innocent. He was the sole breadwinner for our household. His disappearance has pushed our entire family to the brink, emotionally, psychologically, and financially.”
Human rights organisations in Pakistan and abroad have consistently raised concerns over the use of enforced disappearances, particularly in Balochistan and urban centres like Karachi, where families often struggle for years without answers or legal recourse.
As Abdul Hameed Baloch remains in the hospital, his family and fellow protesters vow to continue their peaceful demonstration until Zahid Ali is returned or brought before the courts.
