Why are Baloch Activists Still Missing? Protest Enters 33rd Day
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The ongoing sit-in by Baloch families in Islamabad has persisted for over a month, defying state attempts to suppress their voices. Their demands for justice and the release of missing activists resonate louder than ever. As the protest enters its 33rd day, the resilience of the Baloch community shines through amidst severe challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Baloch protests are ongoing for 33 days in Islamabad.
- Families demand the release of their loved ones.
- The protests are facing significant state opposition.
- Recent cases of enforced disappearances have been reported.
- Human rights organizations are advocating for immediate action.
Islamabad, Aug 17 (NationPress) The sit-in by Baloch protesters in front of the National Press Club in Islamabad has reached its 33rd consecutive day, with the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) alleging that for over a month, authorities have attempted to silence them through tactics such as denying shelter, obstructing roads, and maintaining a strong police presence.
The ongoing protest is aimed at securing the immediate release of BYC leaders and calling for an end to enforced disappearances in Balochistan. The BYC noted that families have remained steadfast in their protest, enduring extreme heat and ongoing harassment.
In a statement shared on X, the BYC remarked: "Day 33 - Islamabad Sit-In Today marks the 33rd consecutive day of the Baloch families’ sit-in in front of the National Press Club, Islamabad. Their demands remain unchanged: the immediate release of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders and an end to enforced disappearances in Balochistan."
"Despite the unbearable heat and constant harassment, the families continue their protest with unyielding determination. More families of the forcibly disappeared have joined their ranks. For over a month, the state has attempted to silence their voices by denying shelter, blocking roads, and deploying heavy police presence — yet their resolve only strengthens," it added.
Furthermore, on Sunday, the Baloch National Movement's Human Rights Department, Paank, reported the case of a 17-year-old student, Salman Baloch, who has been forcibly disappeared in Quetta. Paank condemned this act and demanded his immediate release.
In a statement on X, Paank reported: "17-year-old student Salman Baloch forcibly disappeared in Quetta. On the evening of August 17, 2025, Pakistani security forces forcibly disappeared 17-year-old student Salman Baloch, son of Dr. Isa and a resident of Panjgur. He was forcibly taken from the Nawan Killi area of Quetta. Paank strongly condemns this enforced disappearance and calls for his immediate and unconditional release."
Earlier, Paank disclosed that at least three Baloch youths were forcibly taken by Pakistan’s military intelligence in Balochistan. It was reported that two teenagers, Dildar Baloch and Talal Baloch, were illegally detained by Pakistani forces on August 14 from a cricket ground in the Buleda area of Kech district, where both were working as drivers.
Additionally, the human rights organization revealed that another Baloch student, Muhammad Azeem, from the Killi Khuasam area in Mastung district, was detained from his home and forcibly disappeared on August 5 by military intelligence. Paank has called for their unconditional release and urged that Pakistan must put an end to crimes against humanity in Balochistan.
Point of View
We stand with the Baloch community in their quest for justice and human rights. The ongoing protests highlight the need for accountability and transparency in addressing enforced disappearances. It is essential for the state to engage in dialogue and address the concerns of these families, as the right to protest is fundamental in any democratic society.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main reason for the Baloch protests?
The Baloch protests primarily demand the immediate release of Baloch Yakjehti Committee leaders and an end to enforced disappearances in Balochistan.
How long have the protests been ongoing?
The protests have been ongoing for 33 consecutive days as of August 17, 2025.
What challenges are the protesters facing?
Protesters are facing extreme heat, harassment, roadblocks, and a heavy police presence as authorities attempt to suppress their voices.
Who reported the recent cases of enforced disappearances?
The Baloch National Movement's Human Rights Department, Paank, reported recent cases of enforced disappearances in Balochistan.
What action has been called for by human rights organizations?
Human rights organizations are calling for the immediate and unconditional release of those who have been forcibly disappeared and an end to these human rights violations.
