Karachi: A protest camp demanding the recovery of 25-year-old student Zahid Ali, who was forcibly disappeared, has entered its third consecutive day outside the Karachi Press Club on Thursday.
Zahid Ali, a resident of Karachi’s Liyari and a student of International Relations at Karachi University, was allegedly detained by Pakistani security forces on July 17, 2025 and has since remained missing. His family is facing immense emotional distress and uncertainty.
Zahid was not only pursuing his education but also worked part-time as a Rickshaw driver to support his studies and help meet his family’s financial needs. His father, Abdul Hameed, a long-time hepatitis patient, relied heavily on Zahid’s income for medical and daily expenses.
Zahid’s enforced disappearance has sparked deep concern among Liyari’s academic circles, civil society activists and local residents. A large number of human rights activists, students and Zahid’s family members are participating in the protest camp to demand his immediate release.
Protesters are holding banners and placards with slogans such as “Recover Zahid Now,” “Stop Disappearing Students,” and “Present in Court or Release.”
Speaking to the media, Zahid’s father Abdul Hameed said “My son was not involved in any illegal activity. He was pursuing his education and working hard to support us. If he has committed any crime, then bring him before a court of law. Otherwise, don’t deprive us of our son.”
He appealed to the government, the Supreme Court and human rights organizations to take immediate action for the safe recovery of Zahid Ali and all other forcibly disappeared persons.
