Panjgur, Balochistan – A growing sit-in protest in Panjgur has entered its fourth day, as families demand the immediate return of Aqil Jaleel Baloch and other forcibly disappeared individuals. The protest, which has blocked the crucial CPEC road at Saradak, highlights the escalating tensions surrounding alleged enforced disappearances in the region.
The focus of the demonstration is the disappearance of Aqil Jaleel, son of Jaleel Ahmed, a resident of Washbod Panjgur. According to eyewitness accounts, Aqil was detained by individuals believed to be members of state-backed death squads in front of the Sarikoran Police Station on March 7th at approximately 5 pm. His family has since taken to the streets, blocking the road and staging a continuous sit-in.
The situation is further complicated by the family’s prior experience with enforced disappearances. Aqil’s uncle, Bab Jan Baloch, a police officer, has been missing for three years. Before his disappearance, Bab Jan was reportedly targeted by the same state-backed death squads, leaving him critically injured and requiring treatment in Karachi. He was subsequently abducted and disappeared. Despite previous promises from state authorities to release Bab Jan following a two-day road blockade by the family, he remains missing. Aqil Baloch, who actively campaigned for his uncle’s return, including participation in the “Long March Against Baloch Genocide” to Islamabad, had reportedly received threats from state-backed elements prior to his own disappearance.
Adding to the emotional weight of the protest is the presence of the mother of Sawal Baloch, who was forcibly disappeared on February 13th, 2013. She poignantly describes Sawal as the sole breadwinner for her family, leaving his children “half orphans.” Despite her advanced age, she remains a steadfast participant in protests demanding the return of disappeared persons.Aqil’s mother, Bibi Afreen, has expressed deep distrust of administration assurances, stating that only the safe return of her brother and son will end the sit-in and reopen the road.
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee has issued an urgent call for action, urging the international community and human rights organizations to take immediate notice of the situation. They emphasize the need for solidarity with the grieving families and call upon the Baloch nation to provide support in any way possible, highlighting it as a “national responsibility” to raise their voices against enforced disappearances.
The protest continues to draw attention to the ongoing concerns regarding human rights violations in Balochistan, with the hashtag #StopBalochGenocide circulating widely on social media.
