The family of Zaheer Baloch has suspended its protest in Quetta after authorities registered an FIR against unidentified officials from the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD).
The decision followed successful negotiations between the protesters, led by Dr. Mahrang Baloch, and a government delegation. On Saturday night, the government agreed to the protesters’ demand to file an FIR against the CTD and to form a joint committee to locate Zaheer Baloch.
Authorities also released 15 of the 21 protesters detained during the police crackdown on 11 July. Dr. Baloch confirmed the release, stating, “The remaining six activists will be freed once the courts reopen on Monday.” She added that all charges against the activists arrested on 11 July will be dropped.
Dr. Baloch emphasized that a joint committee, comprising government representatives and members of Zaheer Baloch’s family, would work towards his recovery within 15 days. “If the committee fails to recover Zaheer within this period, his family will resume their protest,” she said.
The agreement also stipulated that the family of Zaheer and the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) would immediately end their protest and peacefully disperse from the Red Zone.
Zaheer Baloch was allegedly forcibly disappeared by Pakistan’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on 27 June after failing to return home from his office. His family began a sit-in protest on Sariab Road on 3 July, demanding his safe return. Despite their persistent efforts, there was no response from the administration, police, judiciary, or government, prompting them to escalate their protest.
On 11 July, the family intensified their protest by organizing a march aimed at blockading the Quetta’s Red Zone. However, the march was met with severe police violence at two locations. Nine protesters were injured by police gunfire, and baton charges and tear gas were used, injuring women and children.
The police actions sparked widespread condemnation from political, human rights, and social circles, including Amnesty International. Amnesty condemned the illegal use of force by the police in Quetta, including the use of tear gas and batons during the peaceful protest on 11 July, and the arbitrary arrests of peaceful protesters.