A young student arrested during a Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) protest in Karachi’s Faqeer Colony on April 25 has been forcibly disappeared, according to BYC Karachi Zone.
The protest had been organized to denounce the illegal arrests of BYC’s central leadership, the state’s crackdown on the organization, and the custodial torture of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, and Beebow Baloch. Protesters also condemned the forcible transfer of Beebow Baloch from Hudda Jail to Pishin Jail under coercion.
According to the BYC statement, even before the protest could fully commence, security forces had surrounded the streets and alleys of Faqeer Colony. Despite this, demonstrators pressed forward, asserting that peaceful resistance remains their only option. Police forces reportedly targeted male participants, abused and verbally assaulted women, and eventually disrupted the peaceful rally with batons and guns.
As the protesters dispersed, police stopped a bus carrying demonstrators, detained everyone aboard, harassed the women, and transported the entire group to a police station. While the women were released a few hours later, the men including minor boys, were kept in custody.
Among the detained, four minors were eventually freed. However, one young student, Rizwan son of Tariq, was taken away by plainclothes personnel in the presence of the station house officer (SHO) and other police officials. Rizwan was blindfolded and removed from the station, his whereabouts remain unknown.
When the police were questioned in court about Rizwan’s status, they claimed to have no knowledge of his case.
BYC Karachi stated that Rizwan, an intermediate-level student, was abducted in full view of police officers at Mominabad Police Station. The organization warned that if any harm comes to Rizwan, the SHO of Mominabad and associated officers will be held fully responsible.
The BYC Karachi Zone strongly demanded Rizwan’s immediate and safe recovery.
The spokesperson further asserted that the state has crossed all limits, openly violating constitutional and legal boundaries while harassing peaceful citizens. “We have always adhered to peaceful means, but it is the state institutions that consistently resort to violence against our people,” the statement said.
BYC reiterated that harassment must end immediately, warning that responsibility for any harm to Rizwan or other detainees would rest squarely on the shoulders of those violating the law under the guise of authority.
