The Baloch Voice for Justice, a rights group, has announced a social media campaign to highlight the prolonged enforced disappearance and ongoing delays in the case of Baloch human rights activist Rashid Hussain. The campaign, scheduled for May 3, 2024, from 7 PM to 12 midnight, aims to mobilize support from political and social figures, journalists, lawyers, and human rights activists for Rashid’s safe recovery.
Rashid Hussain was reportedly detained by UAE authorities on December 26, 2018 and subsequently extradited to Pakistan on June 22, 2019. Despite his transfer being publicly acknowledged by the Pakistani media, he has not been presented in court, and his whereabouts remain unknown.
Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court has repeatedly postponed hearings related to Rashid’s case. The latest scheduled hearing was postponed for the third time this year, adding to the frustration of Rashid’s family and lawyer, Imaan Mazari.
In a statement on social media platform ‘X’, Imaan Mazari, expressed dismay over the repeated delays, noting that “Rashid Hussain’s case was finally fixed for hearing today before the Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court after we filed an early hearing application because the case was “cancelled” on the last two dates of hearing. The case was leftover today. No hearing now on 3 dates scheduled for hearing.”
Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, addressing another case of Baloch missing persons, criticized the lack of oversight and accountability within intelligence agencies. He emphasized that all actions must adhere to legal standards, and extrajudicial measures are unacceptable. “If someone is picked up wrongly, what departmental action is taken? When someone is taken away, their family’s hatred towards the state grows,” remarked Justice Kayani.
Justice Kayani further noted, “The state or the courts will not protect any terrorist. Questions arise when actions are taken beyond the law. If there is a terrorist, issue a charge, take legal action, but do not engage in extrajudicial proceedings. Every institution must operate within its authority.”
The hearing on the petition for the recovery of Baloch missing persons has been postponed until May 21. Advocate Mazari highlighted systemic failures, pointing out that inconsistencies and negligence within the state apparatus continue to perpetuate human rights violations.