The family of Sadiq Baloch, who was forcibly disappeared by Pakistani intelligence personnel, held a press conference at the Karachi Press Club.
The family said, “We are residents of Malir, Karachi and today we have come before you to ask for justice. It is very sad and painful for us that we live in a country which is called democratic, but here the government, judiciary and media are all silent from their real responsibilities. A system has been made where even the basic right to live is taken away from ordinary citizens.”
They explained that at around 5:30 in the morning, CTD, police and plain-clothed personnel attacked our house like robbers, breaking doors, harassing elders and children and forcibly taking away our son Sadiq. “Our pain is that we could not stop them, because our hands were empty while they carried guns.”
The family added that they feel completely helpless. “Even animals fight to protect their young — when a hawk attacks chicks, the hen resists with its claws. But we could not even resist like that, because bare hands are nothing against guns.”
Speaking further, they said: “Today the state is destroying the homes of people through dacoits and thugs. We don’t know where to go, whom to speak to and who will bring our son back? Why is the state making us so helpless? Do people need to pick up guns for their own safety now? The judiciary has failed our hopes and the same institutions that exist in the name of our protection are busy in ruining us.”
The family said: “In this time of helplessness and pain, we are raising our voice through the media to reach people of conscience. We want the safety of our son. For the authorities he may be a suspect, but for us he is the light of our home. We believe no crime can be proven against him. We humbly request the authorities to release Sadiq immediately and safely. We also appeal to the public to stand with us in our struggle for justice.”
