The protest camp of the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) against enforced disappearances continued for the 5,936th day on Thursday outside the Quetta Press Club.
Families of Sagheer Ahmed and Iqrar, who were allegedly subjected to enforced disappearance by security forces at the Ormara checkpoint on June 11 this year, also joined the protest. They appealed to the government to take practical steps to ensure the safe recovery of their loved ones.
In a statement, the VBMP strongly condemned the provincial government’s decision to withdraw security provided to Chairman Nasrullah Baloch and veteran leader Mama Qadeer Baloch, despite clear orders from Pakistan’s Supreme Court. The statement termed the move a violation of court orders and a grave breach of human rights.
It recalled that in 2013, the Supreme Court had directed the provincial government to provide security to the VBMP leadership due to serious threats to their lives. Acting on those orders, the Balochistan Home Department had arranged security, which has now been withdrawn without explanation, sparking serious concern.
Speaking to the media, Chairman Nasrullah Baloch said he had already received serious threats from ISIS, and under such circumstances, the provincial government should have strengthened their security rather than removed it. He warned that if any harm comes to him or his colleagues, the responsibility would lie directly with the provincial government and its officials.
He further stated that the VBMP will take the matter to the Supreme Court and urged the Attorney General of Pakistan to take immediate action against this violation of judicial orders. Nasrullah Baloch also appealed to human rights organizations, the media and the public to raise their voices and stand with the Baloch Nation in defense of their rights.
