A sit-in protest demanding the recovery of Diljan Baloch, who was allegedly forcibly disappeared, entered its second day on Saturday outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Awaran, Balochistan.
According to local sources, Diljan Baloch was detained by Pakistani security forces on June 12 in the Teertaj area of Awaran. Since then, his whereabouts remain unknown, while his family and local residents continue to demand his safe return.
The protesters, including women and children, alleged that they are facing intimidation and threats from security forces to end their demonstration. However, they said they are committed to continuing the sit-in until Diljan Baloch is safely recovered.
Hazaran Rahim Dad, a Baloch poet and writer who often highlights the plight of families affected by enforced disappearances, shared the family’s situation on X (formerly Twitter). “Diljan Baloch was enforcedly disappeared by security forces from his hometown Awaran on June 12, 2024,” she wrote.
“For his safe release, his family and locals are protesting for the second day in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office.” She further noted that the family is reportedly facing continuous threats from law enforcement agencies to end their peaceful protest.
The Baloch Women Forum (BWF) also released a statement, expressing solidarity with Diljan Baloch’s family and criticizing the alleged intimidation by authorities. “We denounce the harassment of family members protesting in Awaran,” the BWF said. The forum claimed that the family has been deprived of basic necessities such as food and water, and warned of the potential use of force to disperse the sit-in.
The BWF called on local residents to join the protest and support the family’s demand for the release of Diljan Baloch. “Every voice, every presence, and every effort counts in saving the life of this innocent man,” the forum added, urging the public to demand action from the authorities.