The Missing Shabir Baloch
Author: Hakeem Wadhela
Every passing day brings more pain and sorrow in Balochistan. The continuous atrocities of Pakistani army are getting worse with each coming day. From burning villages to abduction of men, women, children, elderly people or looting the valuables and livestock from almost every part and corner of Balochistan has become a nasty routine. Balochistan has never seen a day of happiness and joy since the 27th March 1948, when it was occupied by Pakistan at the might of gun. Since then Balochistan has always been subjugated and the people have faced social, political, cultural and ethnic genocide by the brutal Pakistani military, paramilitary and secret service agencies.
People of Balochistan never accepted alien Pakistani rule over their motherland. They have always resisted against Pakistani occupation and demanded the restoration of historical status as of 11th August 1947, when the independence of Balochistan from British dominion was declared.
In this long struggle of freedom and equality the Baloch Students Organisation (BSO) has played a vital role. It has acted as a mother organisation in ideological nourishment of Baloch youth and students. BSO has always stood for the rights of Baloch people and for the freedom of Balochistan. It is rightly known as the first political institution for every Baloch student.
In current times, BSO-Azad (BSO-A) has become one of the most influential and active Organisations in Baloch society and among Baloch students and youth. In last 15 years BSO-Azad produced numerous cadres and leaders, who are leading the Baloch freedom movement from front towards its desired destination. As BSO-A became famous and influential in Balochistan, the barbaric Pakistani forces started to target indiscriminately the leadership and cadres of BSO Azad. Hundreds of BSO Azad members and leaders have been abducted and killed at the hands of Pakistani army in last one decade. But the organisation has never given up its democratic struggle for the students’ rights and for the freedom of Balochistan.
Many of BSO-A central leaders have either been killed or are under incommunicado detention. This includes the then Information Secretary of BSO-A, who was abducted in front of his wife and many eyewitnesses on 4th October 2016 from Gorkop, Balochistan.
22-year-old Shabir Baloch was abducted, because instead of enjoying his life as a youth he was spreading awareness and raising voice against the injustices of Pakistani forces in Balochistan. In this young age he understood the meaning and the cost of freedom.
BSO -Azad has been protesting for the safe recovery of Shabir Baloch since his abduction and demands his safe and sound recovery.
Family of Shabir Baloch has also been protesting for the safe recovery of their loved one. Sister of Shabir Baloch has pleaded Pakistani judiciary and media to help them to recover Shabir Baloch. They have urged if Shabir Baloch is involved in any kind of criminal activity he must be produced before a court to provide him a chance for a fair trial.
However, the Pakistani forces never produce a single political activist before the court as they have no evidence of any criminal activity against such political activists. Instead the prisoners of consciousness are kept in secret torture cells. Where they are tortured in inhumane ways until they die and then their bodies are dumped on road sides or in jungles.
The struggle for a better future continues in Balochistan. Some await for the freedom of the motherland and others for their loved ones.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Balochistan Post or any of its editors.