The family of Dr. Abdul Hayee Baloch, who was allegedly forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces, held a protest in Quetta on Tuesday, demanding his immediate recovery.
The rally began at Balochistan University and proceeded through the city before concluding at the Quetta Press Club.
The protest attracted significant support, with many participants holding photos of their missing loved ones and chanting slogans against enforced disappearances.
Dr. Baloch’s sister, Bakhtawar Baloch, addressed the crowd, expressing deep concern over her brother’s disappearance. She said that Dr. Baloch, an Operating Theatre Assistant at Awaran District Hospital, was taken by state forces on June 1, 2024. Despite three months passing, there has been no information on his whereabouts.
Bakhtawar Baloch urged authorities to either present her brother in court if there are allegations against him or release him if he is innocent. She called on the government to alleviate the family’s suffering by bringing Dr. Baloch back home.
Other families of forcibly disappeared individuals from Balochistan also participated in the protest, echoing similar demands. They criticized the government’s offer of financial compensation, arguing that it fails to address their demand for justice.
The protesters emphasized that their struggle is for the safe return of their loved ones, not for monetary compensation.