The family of Zaheer Ahmed Baloch, who was allegedly forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces in Quetta on June 27, continues to demand his recovery, accusing the government of failing to fulfill its commitments despite an agreed-upon deadline passing without progress.
Zaheer’s disappearance led his family to launch a protest in Quetta on July 3, calling for his safe return. The situation escalated on July 11 when the family, supported by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), attempted to march towards Quetta’s Red Zone. The protest was met with a heavy-handed response from the forces, resulting in injuries to several demonstrators and the detention of 21 activists.
The government’s use of force sparked condemnation from both local and international organizations, including Amnesty International. Under mounting pressure, government officials entered into negotiations with Zaheer’s family.
On July 15, an agreement was reached in which the government agreed to file an FIR against unidentified officials from the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and formed a joint committee tasked with locating Zaheer within 15 days. In response, the family agreed to suspend their protest.
However, more than a month has passed since the deadline, and Zaheer remains missing. The family has expressed frustration, accusing the government of stalling and failing to take meaningful action. According to Zaheer’s sister, the committee established to oversee his recovery has made no significant progress and lacks real authority.
The family now plans to hold a press conference to announce their next steps, which may include resuming broader protests. They are also seeking support from international and regional human rights organizations to amplify their demands for Zaheer’s safe return.