The family of Zaheer Baloch, who has been subjected to enforced disappearance, met with Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) Chairman Nasrullah Baloch, expressing grave concerns over the collective punishment and mental torture they have been enduring.
During the meeting, the family stated that Zaheer Baloch has never been involved in any illegal activities. He is a government employee who used to regularly attend his office. On June 27, 2024, while returning home from work, he was illegally detained by personnel of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and other state agencies near the Irrigation Department area in Saryab, Quetta, and subsequently disappeared.
The family further explained that they have been peacefully protesting against Zaheer’s disappearance and have repeatedly appeared before the Commission on Enforced Disappearances in accordance with national laws. Despite multiple meetings with district authorities, they have received no information about his whereabouts, leaving them in a state of anguish and distress.
VBMP Chairman Nasrullah Baloch assured the family that the organization would raise Zaheer Baloch’s case on every possible platform to ensure his safe recovery.
He emphasized that subjecting a family to suffering under the pretext of collective punishment is a clear violation of the Constitution and human rights. Nasrullah noted that such extra-constitutional actions have led to widespread insecurity in Balochistan and are a key reason behind the deteriorating situation in the region.
He urged the government and heads of state institutions to make wise and just decisions regarding Balochistan. The issues faced by the people of Balochistan must be addressed within the framework of national laws, and all extra-legal measures should be avoided. The immediate recovery of all enforced disappearance victims, including Zaheer Baloch, must be ensured. If any charges exist against the disappeared individuals, they should be brought to court and given a fair chance to defend themselves. Those proven guilty should be punished through due legal process, not through fake encounters or unlawful executions.
