The families of two missing persons from Balochistan have launched separate protests, demanding the immediate recovery of their loved ones, highlighting the ongoing issue of enforced disappearances in the region.
In Panjgur, the family of Zakir Dashti continued their protest for a second consecutive day, blocking the CPEC highway in an effort to pressure authorities to secure his release. Zakir Dashti was reportedly abducted by armed individuals three days ago, and his whereabouts remain unknown since.
Protesters, including women and children, have blocked traffic at the Saradak location on the CPEC road, causing significant disruption. The family expressed frustration over the authorities’ silence on Zakir’s disappearance.
“We will escalate our protest if Zakir is not recovered,” the family warned, stating that they will continue blocking the road until they receive news of his whereabouts.
Meanwhile, in Turbat, the family of school teacher Rafiq Oman marked the tenth anniversary of his enforced disappearance with a press conference, calling on human rights organizations to advocate for his recovery.
Rafiq Oman’s daughters, speaking at the Turbat Press Club, voiced their anguish, saying that a decade has passed without any information about their father’s fate. “For God’s sake, release our father or at least present him before a court,” they pleaded, adding that they do not know whether he is alive or dead.
Their youngest daughter, overwhelmed with grief during the press conference, fainted, underscoring the emotional toll the long absence has taken on the family.
According to reports, Rafiq Oman was forcibly disappeared by Pakistani security forces and intelligence agencies on September 21, 2014, while returning from official duties in Turbat. Despite numerous protests by his family, no official response has been provided, and his whereabouts remain unknown.
Both families have called on human rights organizations to intervene, urging international bodies to take action against the ongoing practice of enforced disappearances in Balochistan.