Why is a Baloch family protesting for 34 days over their son's enforced disappearance by Pakistani forces?
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Synopsis
For 34 days, a Baloch family has held a relentless sit-in at Karachi Press Club, fighting for their son's safe return from enforced disappearance by Pakistani forces. As their struggle continues amidst deteriorating health conditions, the story sheds light on the broader issue of human rights violations in the region.
Key Takeaways
- A Baloch family has been protesting for their son's enforced disappearance for 34 days.
- Zahid Ali, a 25-year-old student, was taken by Pakistani forces.
- The protest highlights the issue of enforced disappearances in Balochistan.
- The health of Zahid's father is deteriorating but the family remains committed.
- The BYC condemns targeted killings in the region.
Quetta, September 7 (NationPress) A Baloch family continues their protest against the enforced disappearance of their son by Pakistani forces, maintaining their sit-in at the Karachi Press Club for the 34th consecutive day, as reported by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) on Sunday.
According to BYC, the family of Zahid Ali is demanding his safe return and persists with their demonstration despite the deteriorating health of his father, Abdul Hameed. Zahid, a 25-year-old student at Karachi University, was forcibly disappeared on July 17.
“Day 34: The protest camp for Zahid Ali continues at Karachi Press Club. Today marks the 34th day of the family's sit-in for Zahid, a 25-year-old IR student at Karachi University, who vanished with his rickshaw on July 17, 2025. Despite Abdul Hameed's health worsening, the family remains determined to secure Zahid's immediate and safe release. Their ongoing struggle starkly highlights the rampant issue of enforced disappearances impacting families in Karachi and Balochistan,” BYC stated on X.
On Saturday, BYC condemned the extrajudicial killing of Mullah Bahram, a resident of Koh Dagar in the Kech district, who was shot dead by state-backed death squads. This incident is part of a disturbing trend of targeted killings in the region.
In a statement released on X, BYC revealed: “Mullah Bahram, son of Abdul Ghafoor and a resident of Koh Dagar, sub-tehsil Mand, district Kech, was killed by state-backed death squads on the afternoon of September 6, 2025. This shooting followed the earlier killing of Izhar, another youth from Mand, highlighting a troubling pattern of targeted violence in the area. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the assailants were members of state-sponsored death squads operating under the command of Pakistani forces and law enforcement agencies.”
BYC also condemned the killing of a Baloch teenager by the Pakistan Army-backed death squads, which continue to target students, activists, and political opponents throughout Balochistan. It was reported that Izhar Mujeeb, also from the Kech district, was shot dead in Mand on Saturday.
According to reports, Izhar was shot while at his shop in the morning and, despite being rushed to the hospital for critical injuries, succumbed to excessive bleeding.
“Izhar, son of Mullah Mujeeb from Lebanon sub-tehsil, Mand (district Kech), was shot by state-backed death squads in the Soro area of Mand on September 6, 2025. Local sources confirm that the assailants were part of state-sponsored death squads operating under Pakistani military command,” BYC reported on X.
Point of View
It is our responsibility to report on the struggles faced by the Baloch community with impartiality. The ongoing protests for Zahid Ali's return highlight a critical issue of enforced disappearances that resonates with human rights advocates globally. We must recognize the pain of families affected by such actions while advocating for justice and accountability from authorities.
NationPress
07/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason behind the Baloch family's protest?
The Baloch family is protesting the enforced disappearance of their son, Zahid Ali, who was taken by Pakistani forces on July 17.
How long has the protest been ongoing?
The protest has been ongoing for 34 consecutive days.
Who is Zahid Ali?
Zahid Ali is a 25-year-old student at Karachi University who was forcibly disappeared.
What other incidents have been reported in relation to this issue?
Recent reports include the extrajudicial killing of Mullah Bahram and Izhar Mujeeb by state-backed death squads in the region.
What is the Baloch Yakjehti Committee's role?
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) is advocating for the safe return of Zahid Ali and highlighting human rights violations in Balochistan.
