Balochistan Protests Escalate Over Enforced Disappearances: Family Demands Justice
Synopsis
A Baloch family held a sit-in protest on the CPEC highway, demanding the return of a forcibly disappeared relative. Join the fight against human rights violations in Balochistan as activists call for accountability and justice.
Key Takeaways
Protests are ongoing in Balochistan demanding justice for victims of enforced disappearances.
Families are seeking accountability from the state for systematic human rights violations.
Numerous individuals continue to be forcibly disappeared in Balochistan, raising significant human rights concerns.
International human rights organizations are urged to take action regarding the situation.
The targeting of youth and cultural figures highlights the urgent need for protection of human rights in the region.
Quetta, April 20 (NationPress) A family from Balochistan organized a sit-in protest on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) highway at Sahaki Balgatar on Monday, demanding the immediate and safe return of a relative who has been forcibly disappeared.
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) reported that 24-year-old farmer Abidin was taken by Pakistan’s intelligence agencies on Sunday evening on Kilkhor Road, with the family receiving no updates regarding his location since.
“This demonstration is a call to put an end to enforced disappearances and to hold the state accountable for its systematic violations of human rights in Balochistan. We urge for the safe return of Abidin Baloch,” the BYC declared.
“Enforced disappearances are a tragic and persistent issue in Balochistan, where numerous Baloch individuals are subjected to this fate daily. It is essential for the people of this region to voice their opposition to these injustices, or risk total oppression,” they added.
The Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ) expressed serious concerns regarding the ongoing use of enforced disappearances as a method of oppression, stating that these actions by Pakistani forces infringe on fundamental human rights and obstruct families from seeking justice.
The rights organization further called for Abidin's immediate release and urged international human rights organizations to take notice of the alarming situation in Balochistan.
Paank, the Human Rights Department of the Baloch National Movement, reported on Monday that four other individuals, including a minor, were also forcibly disappeared on the night of April 19 by Pakistani security forces during a raid in the Panwan area of Gwadar district.
The victims include 19-year-old fisherman Sohail Kareem, 20-year-old student Nadil Baloch, 14-year-old student Dilshad Dad, and another young individual, Ali Fazal.
Paank also condemned the enforced disappearance of 27-year-old student Ikram from the Kech district on April 18, allegedly by Pakistan's Frontier Corps (FC).
“The ongoing targeting of students is profoundly alarming and reflects a consistent pattern of human rights abuses in Balochistan. Ikram's current status is unknown, placing him in significant danger,” they stated.
In a separate case, a young singer named Muhammad Taj from the Shapak region in Kech was allegedly abducted from his home by Pakistani security personnel on the night of April 17. Since then, there has been no information on his whereabouts.
Expressing deep concern, the rights organization stated, “The targeting of a young artist dedicated to promoting the Balochi language and culture further highlights the increasing restrictions on cultural and artistic expression in the region.”
Point of View
It's imperative to highlight the serious human rights concerns in Balochistan. The ongoing enforced disappearances challenge the very fabric of justice and accountability in the region. The voices of the affected families must be amplified to ensure their plight is recognized and addressed.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are enforced disappearances?
Enforced disappearances refer to the abduction of individuals by state authorities or agents, after which the victims are often held in secret without any legal proceedings.
Why are protests happening in Balochistan?
Protests in Balochistan are a response to the alarming rate of enforced disappearances and human rights violations faced by the Baloch community.
Who is Abidin Baloch?
Abidin Baloch is a 24-year-old farmer who was forcibly disappeared by intelligence agencies in Balochistan on April 20, 2023.
What actions are human rights organizations taking?
Human rights organizations are calling for the immediate release of individuals who have been forcibly disappeared and urging international bodies to intervene.
How can people support the cause?
People can support the cause by raising awareness, participating in protests, and advocating for human rights and justice for victims of enforced disappearances.
