The family of Zaheer Ahmed, who was allegedly abducted on June 27, has been staging a sit-in protest on Sariab Road for the past several days, demanding his safe return. Despite their persistent efforts, they claim that there has been no response from the administration, police, judiciary, or government, leading them to announce plans to escalate their protest.
The family has expressed deep frustration over the lack of progress in Zaheer’s case, stating that state institutions have remained silent on the matter. In light of this, they have decided to intensify their protest by organizing a march on Thursday at 10 AM, aiming to blockade the Quetta Red Zone. They have called on the Baloch community, journalists, human rights organizations, and the concerned citizens of Quetta to join them in their rally and amplify their voices for Zaheer’s return.
Missing Zaheer Ahmed’s family has been holding a sit-in protest in Quetta for several days, demanding his safe release. According to the family, Zaheer was ‘forcibly disappeared’ by Pakistani security forces, and despite the ongoing protest, they have not received any response from the Balochistan government.
Last Sunday, the family organized a protest rally from Sariab Sessions Court to Balochistan University to draw attention to Zaheer’s enforced disappearance. The rally saw significant participation from various groups, including families of other missing persons, student organizations, political parties, and concerned citizens of Quetta. Protesters carried photographs of missing persons and placards demanding their safe return and an end to enforced disappearances.
Speakers at the rally, including Nasrullah Baloch, Chairman of Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP), and Zaheer Ahmed’s sister, condemned Zaheer’s unlawful detention and the government’s inaction. They urged authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue with the protesting families and highlighted the severe mental anguish experienced by families of missing persons due to prolonged disappearances.
The ongoing protest and recent rally reflect the broader issue of enforced disappearances in Balochistan, a pressing human rights concern in the region for the past two decades. Activists and families continue to call for accountability and the safe return of all missing persons, emphasizing the need for international human rights groups to take notice.