A renowned Baloch journalist, Sajid Hussain, has gone missing from Sweden since 2nd March 2020.
Sajid Hussain Baloch, who had worked with various Pakistani mainstream media outlets, moved to Sweden in 2017 as a refugee.
While in Sweden he launched Balochistan Times, an online magazine, and was its Editor in Chief when he went missing.
According to Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB), “Mr Hussain was living in Stockholm and decided to move to a private student accommodation in Uppsala on 2nd of March because of his work and studies. After reaching Uppsala he remained in contact with his friends until 2pm, after that his phone went off and he was unable to be reached by his family and friends.”
Swedish Police has also been informed about Mr Hussain’s disappearance and he was added on a missing persons database on 5th of March.
However, concerns have been expressed regarding the slow progress in locating Mr Hussain’s whereabouts.
The Editorial Board of Balochistan Times in a statement on Friday said, “The police have not shared any progress into the investigations with his family and friends. We urge the Swedish government to deal with this matter with utmost urgency.”
HRCB also urged the Swedish authorities to look into the matter and inform them about Mr Hussain’s whereabouts and the reasons of his mysterious disappearance.
Many journalists covering Balochistan have been targeted allegedly by Pakistani authorities, however, the disappearance now of a leading Baloch media figure in a European country has raised serious concerns.
The Editorial Committee of The Balochistan Post expresses grave concern on the issue and extends solidarity with the colleagues of Balochistan Times at this difficult time.