Quetta (Shaal): The protest by Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) against enforced disappearances in Balochistan entered its 5,845th day on Saturday. On the occasion, the organization strongly condemned the recent enforced disappearance of MahJabeen, daughter of Ghulam Mustafa, and announced a special protest to be held on Eid day.
Speaking to delegations and families visiting the protest camp in Quetta, VBMP leaders expressed concern that despite their long and peaceful struggle, the Baloch people continue to be denied their basic rights. They said the practice of enforced disappearances remains ongoing in Balochistan, with a disturbing rise in cases involving women MahJabeen’s case being a recent example.
According to VBMP, MahJabeen hails from the Basima area of Washuk and is a student of Library Science at the University of Balochistan. The group alleges that she was detained by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Quetta and has since been forcibly disappeared.
VBMP further stated that victims’ families are often targeted in addition to the disappeared individuals. As examples, the group cited the murder of Shah Jehan Kurd, brother of missing BSO chairman Zahid Baloch, and the recent enforced disappearance of MahJabeen’s brother, Younis.
“This is a grave violation of human rights. Enforced disappearance has been normalized in Balochistan,” the organization said. “Pakistani authorities and establishment-aligned individuals justify this practice on social media. The idea of using ‘faceless judges’ and ‘secret courts’ to suppress the Baloch movement is neither constitutional nor ethical. These tactics serve the interests of the powerful, not justice.”
VBMP emphasized that enforced disappearance is an unforgivable crime, and when it involves women, it becomes an even more sensitive and complex issue that can never be justified under any circumstance.
The organization has demanded the immediate release of MahJabeen, her brother Younis, and all other missing persons.
Additionally, VBMP announced that their Eid protest will also mark 16 years since the enforced disappearance of Zakir Majeed. As in previous years, the VBMP will protest on Eid to highlight the plight of those who have been denied the right to celebrate the holiday with their families for years.
