Karachi: The protest camp outside Karachi Press Club against the forced disappearance of 25-year-old student Zahid Ali Baloch from Liyari continued for the fourth consecutive day on Friday.
According to his family, Zahid Baloch was taken into custody by security forces on the evening of July 17, 2025, around 5:30 PM, while he was waiting for a ride along with his rickshaw. Since his detention, the family has received no information about his whereabouts. Even after 23 days, his location remains unknown.
Zahid is a student of International Relations at Karachi University and used to work part-time as a rickshaw driver to support both his education and family expenses. His father, Abdul Hameed, who suffers from a long-term hepatitis illness, depended on Zahid’s income.
The protest camp includes Zahid’s parents, close relatives, human rights activists, students and local citizens. Demonstrators are holding banners and placards with slogans such as “Bring Zahid Back,” “Stop Disappearing Students,” and “Produce or Release in Court.”
Zahid’s father, Abdul Hameed, told the media, “My son was not involved in any illegal activity. He was studying and working hard to support the household. If he is accused of anything, present him in court; otherwise, release him immediately.”
The family has made it clear that they will continue their peaceful protest outside Karachi Press Club daily until Zahid is found. They have also appealed to human rights organizations, the higher judiciary, media and all humanitarian groups to help ensure the immediate recovery of Zahid and other missing persons.
