Why Are Baloch Families Blocking CPEC in Kech Over Enforced Disappearances?
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Synopsis
Families in Balochistan are blocking a crucial CPEC route to protest against the enforced disappearance of their loved ones. This ongoing sit-in highlights serious human rights concerns in the region, as the protestors demand justice and recovery of the missing individuals. Amidst freezing conditions, they continue to raise their voices for accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Families in Kech are protesting enforced disappearances.
- Four members of a family remain missing.
- The sit-in has disrupted the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
- Human rights organizations are demanding accountability.
- Protesters highlight the ongoing repression in Balochistan.
Quetta, Jan 3 (NationPress) As the trend of enforced disappearances of civilians intensifies throughout Balochistan, families have initiated a sit-in protest in the Kech district, obstructing a vital segment of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the Tejaban area for the third day in a row. They are demanding the return of four family members who have gone missing, according to local media reports.
This demonstration arises amidst claims that the district administration violated an agreement, leaving women and children exposed to freezing overnight temperatures.
Protesters indicated that during discussions with district officials last week, promises were made regarding the recovery of missing individuals, particularly women. After a temporary halt in the sit-in, it resumed due to the lack of action from authorities, as reported by The Balochistan Post.
The families stated that among the four missing individuals is a woman who is nine months pregnant, raising serious alarm about their well-being.
The four missing individuals, including two women, Hani Dilwash and Hair-Nisa, were forcibly taken from Hub Chowki, while two men, Fareed Ijaz and Mujahid Dilwash, were abducted from Tejaban by Pakistani forces.
In another incident, protesters alleged that Pakistani forces detained four additional individuals, including two women, at the Hub checkpoint and moved them to an undisclosed location. The families and demonstrators have rejected social media claims suggesting that the detained individuals were involved in planning a suicide attack.
They expressed that while the world celebrates the New Year, women and children in Balochistan are forced to protest in harsh cold, seeking the return of their loved ones.
The issue of enforced disappearances in Balochistan has long been controversial, eliciting ongoing concern from various human rights organizations.
Meanwhile, the blockade of the CPEC highway has reportedly caused significant disruptions for local residents and inter-district travelers.
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has reported that the people of Balochistan continue to live in fear, facing oppression and systematic human rights violations.
The BYC has called for solidarity among the people of Balochistan with the families of the victims and urged international humanitarian organizations to hold Pakistan and its institutions accountable for the unlawful abduction of Baloch women and men.
Point of View
It's imperative to acknowledge the plight of the families in Kech, Balochistan. The issue of enforced disappearances is not just a local concern; it resonates with universal human rights values. Our nation must prioritize accountability and transparency to ensure justice is served for all victims of such heinous acts.
NationPress
03/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are enforced disappearances?
Enforced disappearances occur when individuals are unlawfully abducted or detained by state authorities, with their whereabouts concealed. This practice raises severe human rights concerns.
What is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor?
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a collection of infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and trade between China and Pakistan, including roads, railways, and energy projects.
Why are families protesting in Balochistan?
Families are protesting due to the enforced disappearances of their loved ones. They demand justice and accountability from the authorities responsible for these abductions.
What are the implications of blocking CPEC?
Blocking the CPEC route can disrupt local economies and travel, drawing attention to the human rights issues at play and the urgent need for resolution.
What actions have human rights organizations taken?
Human rights organizations have raised concerns about enforced disappearances in Balochistan, urging accountability and protection for the victims and their families.
