Families of Missing Journalists Asif and Rashid Baloch to Protest in Quetta
Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch announced on Friday that the families of journalists who have gone missing will stage a protest to raise their voices against enforced disappearances. The protest will take place at Quetta Press Club on Saturday, August 31 at 2:30 pm.
In a post on X, Mahrang Baloch said, “The families of Asif Baloch and Rashid Baloch, who have been missing for six years, will hold a protest tomorrow in front of the Quetta Press Club.” She urged the people of Quetta to join the protest and support the families of the victims.
The Human Rights Council of Balochistan strongly condemned the ongoing harassment, detention, and enforced disappearances of journalists and social activists by Pakistani forces. In a statement, the council highlighted the recent abduction of journalist Hayat Khan Khetran and members of the Barkhan Youth Union by the Frontier Corps (FC) in Barkhan.
The protest coincides with the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, observed annually on August 30. This day aims to raise awareness about enforced disappearances, honor victims and their families, and advocate for justice and accountability.
Balochistan, a region in southwestern Pakistan, has been deeply affected by enforced disappearances. Human rights organizations report that journalists, activists, and political dissenters are often abducted by security forces to silence dissent and stifle calls for greater autonomy or independence.
Doubts Revealed
Quetta -: Quetta is a city in Pakistan. It is the capital of the Balochistan province.
Baloch -: Baloch refers to people from the Balochistan region, which is divided among Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan.
Protest -: A protest is when people gather to show that they are unhappy about something and want it to change.
Journalists -: Journalists are people who write news stories or report on events for newspapers, TV, or online media.
Press Club -: A Press Club is a place where journalists meet to discuss news and events.
Human Rights Council of Balochistan -: This is a group that works to protect the rights and freedoms of people in Balochistan.
Enforced Disappearances -: Enforced disappearances happen when people are taken away by authorities and their whereabouts are kept secret.
International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances -: This is a special day observed on August 30 every year to remember people who have been secretly taken away and to raise awareness about this issue.