An online social media campaign was launched by the rights group Baloch Voice for Justice on Friday to draw attention to the prolonged enforced disappearance of Baloch activist Rashid Hussain.
Using the hashtag #SaveRashidHussain, human rights activists, political leaders, and concerned citizens criticized the Pakistani government and judicial system for their repeated cancellations of hearings in his case.
Rashid Hussain, who had been living in self-exile in the United Arab Emirates since 2017, was detained near Sharjah by UAE secret police on December 26, 2018. His family claims he was held in secret for six months before being extradited to Pakistan in June 2019 under questionable circumstances, allegedly without proper legal documentation.
Despite media reports in Pakistan announcing his extradition as ‘breaking news’ and official statements from the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Karachi regarding his arrest, Rashid’s current whereabouts remain unknown.
During the campaign, Baloch activist Dr. Mahrang Baloch highlighted the ongoing struggle of Rashid’s mother, who has been actively seeking justice for her son through protests and sit-ins. “Six years since Rashid Hussain was abducted from the UAE and deported to Pakistan. Despite official claims of his arrest, his whereabouts remain unknown”, she posted on the social media platform ‘X’. “His mother’s unyielding advocacy through protests and sit-ins is both heartbreaking and inspiring.”
Sammi Deen Baloch, a leader of the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP), emphasized the persistent struggle of Rashid’s mother in seeking justice, noting her unheeded pleas despite having complete documentary evidence of her son’s enforced disappearance.
Additionally, former Senator and Pashtun political leader Afrasiab Khattak condemned the treatment of Baloch prisoners and the apparent lawlessness surrounding such cases in Pakistan. “Rashid’s case reflects the brazen lawlessness with which Baloch prisoners are treated in Pakistan. He was extradited from the UAE and disappeared in Pakistan. The courts haven’t been of any help so far. Every supporter of law and human rights must raise their voice for him,” he said.
Former Senator Farhatullah Babar called for legislative action to clearly define the mandate of intelligence agencies and address issues related to enforced disappearances. “Condemn enforced disappearances. Legislation is needed to determine the mandate of intelligence agencies, bring to justice those responsible, end impunity for this crime, and rehabilitate economically and emotionally the families of victims.”
Imaan Mazari, a lawyer and human rights activist closely following the case, stated that despite clear evidence of Rashid’s transfer to Pakistan and his subsequent disappearance, the courts have failed to provide any resolution.
Rashid Hussain’s sister, Fareeda Baloch, thanked the campaign’s participants and appealed to human rights organizations to intensify their efforts to secure her brother’s release, expressing her frustration over the lack of progress over the past six years.