QUETTA: The spokesperson of Baloch Students Organization (Azad), Sholan Baloch, has stated that former chairman Zahid Baloch and the organization’s central junior joint secretary Asad Baloch have been victims of enforced disappearance for the past twelve years.
According to the statement, Zahid Baloch and Asad Baloch were taken into custody on March 18, 2014, from the Satellite Town area of Quetta and have remained missing since then. The incident was reportedly witnessed by the former chairperson of BSO-Azad, Karima Baloch, who was later found dead in Toronto, Canada.
The spokesperson said that despite the passage of twelve years, neither Zahid Baloch nor Asad Baloch has been produced before a court or officially acknowledged in custody. The organization described their disappearance as part of what it called a continued policy aimed at targeting peaceful Baloch political activists and restricting political space in Balochistan.
Following their disappearance in 2014, the organization launched a hunger strike camp outside the Karachi Press Club. The protest was led by Karima Baloch, while activist Latif Johar Baloch reportedly continued the hunger strike for 46 days. According to the statement, the protest was later called off after assurances were given by government representatives and human rights organizations regarding efforts for their recovery.
However, the spokesperson stated that even after twelve years no information about the two leaders has been provided. The organization and the families of the missing leaders have continued protests and advocacy campaigns, but no progress has been made in their cases.
Sholan Baloch further said that the family of Zahid Baloch has also faced collective punishment. She said that Zahid Baloch’s brother Shah Jan Baloch was killed last year in their hometown of Nal, Khuzdar.
The spokesperson added that Zahid Baloch played a significant role in raising political awareness among Baloch youth and remained actively involved in peaceful political activities. She said he had also gained recognition for his social services during the devastating earthquake in the Awaran District in 2013, when he worked among affected communities.
According to the statement, the enforced disappearance of Zahid Baloch and Asad Baloch was aimed at weakening the Baloch Students Organization (Azad) and suppressing organized political representation in Balochistan. Despite this, the organization said it continues to follow the political philosophy of Zahid Baloch and remains committed to its political struggle.
