The grieving parents of the late Najma Baloch, a local resident of Geshkoor, have issued a public appeal for the arrest of a local law enforcement official they claim drove their daughter to suicide. In an emotionally charged press conference at the Turbat Press Club, they were joined by notable members of the Turbat Civil Society and All Parties Kech.
Najma’s parents claim that she was the victim of relentless harassment by Levies official Noor Bakhsh. Najma’s parents joined by Turbat Civil Society Convener Gulzar Dost and the Convener of All Parties Kech, Ghulam Yasin, urged Balochistan’s Chief Minister Qudoos Bizenjo to personally intervene in the matter.
Najma’s father, Dilsard Baloch, issued a heartfelt appeal. “If Chief Minister Qudoos Bizenjo is a true Baloch and has been nurtured on a Baloch mother’s milk, he must take action in the case of Najma instead of remaining silent.” He recounted how Najma, despite facing hardships, had received an education and even established a makeshift school, teaching around 300 local children and covering all costs herself.
According to Dilsard, Noor Bakhsh tormented Najma by using the names of government institutions. Despite confronting Bakhsh and receiving assurances that the harassment would stop, Dilsard claims it persisted. He provided a chilling detail: Bakhsh allegedly revealed his intent to continue tormenting Najma in a voice message sent to his friends.
Reflecting on Najma’s profound impact on her community, Dilsard expressed the depth of her loss that extends beyond the family. “Najma’s death is not just a loss for her family, but a tragedy for all of Geshkoor and Awaran,” he said. “All of Balochistan is grieving her loss and demanding justice. If any brother of Najma Baloch takes account of her murder, it would be a comfort to the people of Geshkoor”, the grieving father said.
In a joint statement, Gulzar Dost and Ghulam Yasin endorsed Dilsard’s plea for justice, suggesting that Bakhsh’s brazen actions indicate he may have influential support. They urged for Bakhsh’s immediate arrest, emphasizing the necessity of this step for achieving justice for Najma.
The distressing incident has ignited public anger and sorrow throughout the region. It has also brought attention to the urgent problem of harassment faced by women in Balochistan. The allegations implicating state-backed actors present a stern test for the authorities’ commitment to delivering prompt and effective justice.