The families of missing Baloch individuals continue their protest in Karachi, as no progress has been made by state institutions to recover the disappeared youth. Relatives say they are enduring severe mental and physical distress due to the prolonged ordeal.
The protest camp set up outside the Karachi Press Club against enforced disappearances entered its 36th day on Tuesday. Despite heavy rain, women, children and the elderly remain steadfast in demanding the safe return of their loved ones.
Speaking to the media, Abdul Hameed Baloch, father of missing youth Zahid Ali Baloch, said: “My son is a hardworking, harmless young man who supported his family, but he has been taken away from us. If there are any charges against him, he should be presented before a court. The law must be equal for everyone and no one has the right to punish outside the constitution.”
Human rights activists report that several Baloch youth have been forcibly disappeared from different areas of Karachi. Among them are Shiraz Baloch, Sailan Baloch, Sarfaraz Baloch, Rameez Baloch, Raheem Bakhsh Baloch and Rehman Baloch, residents of Mauripur and Lal Bakhar. All come from ordinary family backgrounds, but their disappearance has left families in deep hardship.
According to the relatives, enforced disappearances not only constitute a grave human rights violation but also cause devastating social and economic consequences. With breadwinners missing, families are struggling for daily survival, while many mothers have fallen ill under the trauma of separation.
Protesters at the camp have vowed not to end their sit-in until their loved ones are recovered, urging the international community to take notice and extend support.
