Balochistan: VBMP Expresses Concerns Over Ongoing Disappearances at 6003rd of their Protest

SHAAL, BALOCHISTAN: The long-running protest camp of the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) against enforced disappearances in Balochistan continued for the 6003rd day under the leadership of the organisation’s chairman, Nasrullah Baloch.

Individuals from various walks of life visited the camp, joined the protest, recorded their grievances, and expressed solidarity with the families of the missing. Participants urged the government to bring an end to enforced disappearances and to take immediate, practical measures for the recovery of all missing persons.

The family of Arif Baloch contacted VBMP, reporting that Arif was detained by security Pakistani forces in Basima on October 30 and subsequently subjected to enforced disappearance. They stated that authorities have provided no information regarding his safety or whereabouts, leaving the family under immense psychological stress.

It is noteworthy that Arif’s father, Zakir Ismail, has also been missing since February 11, 2013, after being forcibly disappeared. Arif had been actively campaigning for his father’s recovery; now he himself has been disappeared.

This development has raised serious concern and has been strongly condemned, with renewed calls for the government to ensure the safe return of both Arif Baloch and his father, Zakir Ismail.