Family Protests in Quetta for Zaheer Ahmed Baloch’s Safe Return
Quetta, Pakistan – Several videos have surfaced showing the family of Zaheer Ahmed Baloch, who was forcibly abducted from Balochistan, being threatened by uniformed members of the Pakistani defence forces. This incident occurred while his family was protesting in Quetta, demanding his safe return.
According to PAANK, the human rights department of the Baloch National Movement, Zaheer was abducted by Pakistani forces on June 27. PAANK posted on ‘X’ stating, “Armed agents of a Pakistani intelligence agency are threatening the peaceful family of Zaheer Baloch, abducted by Pakistani forces on June 27, during a rally demanding his release outside the Session Court. We demand immediate protection for the family and Zaheer’s safe release.”
Zaheer’s family has been organizing protests in various locations in Quetta, demanding his safe return. Prominent Baloch rights activist Sammi Deen Baloch informed that unidentified gunmen had been threatening the victim’s family to halt the protests, despite the local administration being responsible for resolving the issue.
In another post on ‘X’, it was stated, “Zaheer Ahmed was unlawfully abducted by state intelligence agencies on June 27, 2024. His family has been protesting at various locations in Quetta. Despite the administration’s responsibility to negotiate with the families, some gunmen are threatening and harassing the families to stop protesting, and no action is being taken against them. We strongly condemn such tactics and demand the safe release of Zaheer Ahmed.”
Protests in Balochistan over enforced disappearances are not new. Recently, a sit-in protest camp led by the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) completed its 5496th day outside the Quetta Press Club. Sibghatullah, the Convener of Baloch Yakjehti Committee’s Makran chapter, along with other top Baloch activists, visited the camp to express solidarity with the families.
PAANK reported that in May alone, there were 90 cases of enforced disappearances in Balochistan. The regions of Kech, Gwadar, and Dera Bugti witnessed 22, 15, and 29 such incidents, respectively.
