Family of Zaheer Baloch Protests in Quetta for His Safe Return

The family of Zaheer Baloch, a Baloch citizen missing for nine years, organized a sit-in in Quetta on Thursday. They demanded his safe release and the lodging of an FIR against those responsible for his abduction, according to the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC).

The protest took place at Sariyab Road, where the family also highlighted the issue of enforced disappearances in Balochistan. Zaheer Baloch was reportedly abducted in late June without any charges.

In a post on X, the BYC stated, “Zaheer Baloch, who was abducted on June 27, is among the latest victims. In response, his family has staged a sit-in and road blockade protest at Sariyab Road in Quetta. They are demanding his safe recovery and the lodging of an FIR against the latest culprits in the Baloch Genocide CTD, who abducted Zaheer without any charges. Today, the family organized a protest rally from the sit-in camp to further highlight their plight.”

The BYC also mentioned another incident where family members of victims ended their 15-day sit-in in Turbat after the district administration assured them that their loved ones would be released within 10 days. However, many families continue to protest as authorities have failed to keep their promises.

Last month, the BYC highlighted the situation of families amid cases of enforced disappearances. “Eid has come and gone, but Baloch families continue to protest at Shaheed Fida Chowk Turbat, demanding the safe return of their loved ones who have been missing since Eid. The District Administration had falsely assured them of their loved ones’ release before. Now, no state authority has come forward to address their demands,” BYC stated.

According to the statement, the protesters included families of victims of enforced disappearances like Fateh, Nisar Karim, Rafiq, Meeras Hussain, and Jan Mohammad, all missing since 2023.