The family of Zaheer Ahmed Baloch, a government employee who was allegedly forcibly disappeared by security forces, has warned they will resume protests if he is not recovered within a week.
Speaking at a press briefing in Quetta, the family expressed frustration over the lack of progress in Zaheer’s case, despite previous assurances from government officials.
Zaheer Ahmed Baloch, son of Dr. Haji Abdullah, has been a clerk at the Pakistan Post Office for the past 15 years. On Thursday, June 27th, he left his office at the GPO Quetta on Zarghoon Road around 2 PM to return to his home in Killi Bangalzai, Sariab Road.
According to his family, he was abducted in broad daylight before he could reach home. “Zaheer has no political affiliations,” the family said, adding that he and other relatives have faced harassment and night raids due to family ties.
Following his disappearance, the family staged sit-ins and rallies in Quetta for 14 days. During these protests, police reportedly used force against demonstrators, detaining around 20 people, including five women.
On July 14th, during negotiations with government officials, an agreement was reached to release the detained protesters, register a First Information Report (FIR) against the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and recover Zaheer Ahmed within 15 days.
The family said they suspended their protests after receiving these assurances. However, a month later, there has been no significant progress. “The authorities have done nothing but delay the matter,” they said.
The family has now warned that if Zaheer Baloch is not recovered within a week, they will resume protests, including sit-ins and rallies.
They concluded by appealing to political and social organizations in Balochistan, as well as international human rights groups, to intervene and help ensure Zaheer’s safe return.