A seminar was held in Khudabadan, Mowach Bazar area of Panjgur to mark ten years since the enforced disappearance of Zaheer Ahmed Baloch. Political, social and layers attended the event.
Speaking at the seminar, Zaheer Ahmed’s brother, Kifayatullah Baloch, said his brother was abducted near a checkpoint while traveling to Karachi on April 13, 2015, and has been missing ever since. “We tried everything possible for his recovery, including meeting with powerful officials, but no one listened,” he said.
He added that thousands of others are missing like Zaheer Ahmed and their families are forced to protest on streets with their loved ones’ pictures even on joyous occasions like Eid. He accused the government of violating the Constitution and the law and lamented that now even women are being abducted.
Kifayatullah further said, “Sardar Akhtar Mengal is not asking for government positions, he is simply demanding the release of Baloch women.” He also expressed regret over having once supported the PPP, calling it an anti-people platform, and apologized to his people.
He claimed that until 2022, there were reports of his brother being imprisoned in Quetta. Former Army Chief General Bajwa had promised his release during a visit to Panjgur, but the promise was never fulfilled. “To sabotage peaceful protests, the Deputy Commissioner of Panjgur is using various tactics. The Baloch nation is fed up”.
Zaheer Ahmed’s daughter, Adeeba Zaheer, also spoke at the seminar. She demanded that if her father has committed any crime, he should be brought before a court. She strongly condemned the arrest of Panjgur’s social activist Mulla Farhad.
Audio messages from BYC central leader Dr. Sabiha Baloch, Sammi Deen Baloch, and Imaan Mazari were also played during the seminar.
Ayesha, Zoya, and others also addressed the event, demanding justice and the presentation of their fathers before a court if they are accused of any crimes.
District Bar Association’s Amanullah Karim, PML-N’s Divisional President Ashraf Sagar, BNP’s District General Secretary Qadeer Ahmed, and former President of the National Party Haji Saleh Muhammad Baloch also spoke at the event. They emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and that only courts should determine guilt.
Amanullah Karim highlighted that solitary confinement and enforced disappearances are clear violations of the Constitution and law. “Police are responsible for presenting any detained person before a court within 24 hours. From the platform of the Bar, we will continue this struggle at every forum”.
