Pakistan: Protests intensify in Balochistan demanding safe release of forcibly disappeared people

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) alleged that the Pakistani administration has not paid any attention to the matter.

This protest continued for the fifth consecutive day on Friday.

“After four days of sitting on dharna in the scorching heat, the families are now marching towards the DC office, where they will continue their protest until their loved ones return. In this difficult time, we urge our countrymen to join the dharna in front of the DC office and encourage our elderly men, women and children, as their pain and suffering is beyond words,” BYC posted on X.

After protesting for four days in the scorching heat, the families are now marching towards the DC office, where they will continue their protest until their loved ones return. In this difficult time, we urge our countrymen to participate in the protest in front of the DC pic.twitter.com/JGbvPzGvmo

– Baloch Yakjahati Samiti – Late (@BYCKech) June 20, 2024

BYC also reported that the health of the protesters is seriously deteriorating due to the extreme heat in Pakistan. However, they affirmed that the determination of the protesters to bring back those forcibly disappeared is 'firm'.

“The dharna of the families for the safe recovery of their loved ones continues for the fourth day. They are struggling for their lives in this scorching heat while the district administration is pretending to be on a holiday. They are not even able to join the dharna and listen to these elderly women and men, which is extremely disappointing. We appeal to the people of Kech to join this dharna and support our elders as we are their only hope,” a later post said.

The protest by the families for the safe recovery of their loved ones continued for the fourth day.
They are struggling for their lives in this scorching heat, while the district administration is making excuses of a holiday. They are not even able to listen to these elderly women by participating in the dharna-demonstration. pic.twitter.com/sO2ovFuyVo

– Baloch Yakjahati Samiti – Late (@BYCKech) June 20, 2024

Earlier, the BYC had announced that the ongoing protest at Shaheed Fida Chowk in Turbat will continue until the forcibly disappeared persons are safely released.

BYC further said that despite promises from the local administration regarding the safe return of the missing persons, there has been no response from the present authorities.

“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 earlier given them false assurances of the release of their loved ones. Now, no state authority has come forward to meet their demands,” the BYC said.

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee called on the international community to show solidarity on the issue and demanded the release of all Baloch individuals who have been forcibly disappeared.