Protest Erupts in Balochistan Over Kidnapped Boy
In Balochistan, Pakistan, traffic between Quetta and northern Balochistan was brought to a standstill as tribesmen and relatives of an 11-year-old kidnapped boy blocked the Quetta-Chaman highway. The protest, which took place near the Baleli area, caused a major traffic jam, disrupting Afghan transit trade and halting import-export activities.
The demonstrators blocked the highway near the Pakistan Customs checkpost by setting up barricades and parking vehicles. This protest was in response to the authorities’ failure to locate the missing boy. Haji Raz Mohammad Kakar, the boy’s father, expressed frustration over the lack of information about his son’s whereabouts.
Law enforcement agencies conducted raids on suspected hideouts but made no progress, further angering the protesters. The protest also extended to the airport road near Askari Park, stranding hundreds of vehicles.
In support of the victim’s family, all jewellery shops and markets in the region were closed, led by the Balochistan Jewellers’ Association (BJA). The boy’s grandfather is a jeweller, and the BJA president led a protest rally with jewellers marching through roads with banners and placards.
Speakers at the rally criticized law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to ensure public safety. Enforced disappearances remain a significant issue in Balochistan, with human rights organizations accusing Pakistani forces of using this tactic to suppress dissent.
Doubts Revealed
Balochistan -: Balochistan is a province in Pakistan, which is a country that shares a border with India. It is known for its beautiful landscapes and rich natural resources.
Quetta-Chaman Highway -: The Quetta-Chaman Highway is a major road in Balochistan, Pakistan. It connects the city of Quetta to the town of Chaman, which is near the border with Afghanistan.
Tribesmen -: Tribesmen are members of a tribe, which is a group of people who share the same culture, language, and ancestry. In Balochistan, many people belong to different tribes.
Balochistan Jewellers’ Association -: The Balochistan Jewellers’ Association is a group of people who work in the jewellery business in Balochistan. They decided to close their shops to show support for the kidnapped boy’s family.
Enforced disappearances -: Enforced disappearances refer to situations where people are taken away by authorities or groups, and their whereabouts are kept secret. This is a serious issue in some regions, including Balochistan.