By Sarang Baloch
Amidst Eid celebrations, while people in many parts of the world rejoice with their loved ones, the Baloch people in Balochistan find themselves in a state of longing and despair. For over three decades, their lives have been marred by insecurity, abductions, extrajudicial killings, and relentless oppression by the Pakistani state.
The Pakistani government’s systematic policy of genocide against the Baloch people has reached its peak, turning being a Baloch into a crime in the eyes of the state. In Balochistan, simply being Baloch puts one at risk of being killed, dumped, or abducted. More than 20,000 innocent Baloch individuals have been forcibly disappeared by law enforcement agencies, some of whom have been subjected to extrajudicial killings. Others continue to endure unimaginable mental and physical torment in Pakistan’s torture cells. Yet, they remain unaware of their alleged crimes, wondering why they have become victims of such cruelty.
The violation of human rights in Balochistan has reached alarming levels. When families of the missing persons dare to protest and demand the release of their loved ones, they are met with threats and intimidation. They are told to stop speaking up, lest they too suffer the same fate of being killed or abducted.
Among those who have disappeared is Zakir Majeed Baloch, a student leader who was abducted from Mastung city in Balochistan in 2009. To this day, his whereabouts remain unknown. Zakir’s sister and mother tirelessly call for his release, emphasizing that if the Pakistani state believes Zakir has committed a crime, he should be brought to a fair trial.
Abdul Hameed Zehri was taken away two years ago, leaving his children unable to pursue their education. They now endure the mental anguish of missing their father, with little Mahroz, who should be playing carefree, instead protesting for her father’s immediate release.
Dr. Deen Muhammad Baloch has been missing for 14 agonizing years, and his children, Sammi Deen and Mehlab Deen, demand their father’s immediate release. The state, however, continues to ignore their pleas, subjecting an entire family to an unimaginable ordeal spanning over a decade.
Asif and Rasheed, two cousins who set out for a picnic, were abducted, and their fate remains unknown. Rasheed’s mother tragically passed away while awaiting her son’s return, consumed by sorrow and uncertainty.
The list goes on, with Shabeer Baloch, Azeem Dost, Chairman Zahid Baloch, and countless other innocent Baloch enduring unimaginable suffering within Pakistani torture cells. On the eve of Eid, while others find happiness and celebration, the families of the missing persons are confronted with heart-wrenching situations that deepen their agony and pain.
The situation in Balochistan demands urgent attention and action. The international community must hold the Pakistani state accountable for its grave violations of human rights and ensure that justice is served. Balochistan deserves peace, security, and the opportunity to celebrate Eid and every other occasion with the same joy and happiness experienced by people around the world.
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.