Why Are Protests Happening in Balochistan Over the Disappearance of Four Family Members?
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Quetta, Dec 23 (NationPress) In a significant demonstration, numerous Baloch families gathered for a protest in the Kech district of Balochistan against the enforced disappearance of four family members by Pakistani forces.
The human rights organization, Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), reported that the individuals - two women and two men - identified as Fareed Ijaz, Mujahid Dilwash, Hani Dilwash, and Hair-Nisa Wahid were forcibly removed by Pakistani agencies.
The families have bravely taken to the streets of Tejaban village in Kech, pleading for the safe return of their loved ones.
“While their protest remains peaceful, their cries are being overlooked, and there is no clear information on the whereabouts of the missing family members. The families vow to continue their protest until all four are safely returned. They are urging the people of Tejaban and nearby communities to unite with them and voice their concerns against enforced disappearances, a widespread issue that has devastated many families throughout Balochistan,” the BYC shared on X.
In condemning the enforced disappearances, the BYC has expressed solidarity with the affected families. Additionally, BYC has launched a five-day campaign focused on the increasing number of Baloch women going missing, aiming to raise awareness and demand accountability from those responsible.
“We call upon human rights organizations, humanitarian groups, and all individuals of conscience to not remain silent and to take action against enforced disappearances in Balochistan,” it stated.
Highlighting the escalating atrocities in Balochistan, the Baloch Women Forum (BWF) on Tuesday noted that in recent months, Pakistan has been progressively shaping a narrative of normalization surrounding the abduction of Baloch women, which they describe as a deliberate effort to undermine societal sentiments.
“This is a calculated effort by state institutions to contravene state and international laws, treaties, and conventions on human rights, particularly concerning women’s rights, by depriving Baloch women of their fundamental rights, including the right to a fair trial – akin to the suffering endured by Baloch men – while attempting to stifle mass reaction to prevent global funding from being jeopardized due to violations of international commitments,” the BWF emphasized.
The forum is demanding immediate international intervention regarding the severe nature of crimes against Baloch women on urgent humanitarian grounds.