Quetta is grappling with a surge in child abduction cases, sparking alarm among citizens, judicial authorities, and government institutions. The latest incident involves 10-year-old Muhammad Musawar, a third-grade student, who was abducted on November 15 while on his way to school. Armed assailants reportedly intercepted the school van in Multani Mohalla, forcibly taking the child in a car.
Musawar’s family denies any personal disputes or enmities, suggesting that ransom could be the motive. However, police have yet to receive any ransom demands. Meanwhile, his family, civil society organizations, and political activists have been staging a continuous sit-in outside the Balochistan Assembly and High Court for the past six days, demanding swift action for his recovery.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has taken suo motu notice of the case, expressing concern over the growing trend of child abductions nationwide. During a hearing, Justice Jamal Mandokhail criticized the government’s inaction, noting, “A child has been missing in Quetta for six days, yet the authorities remain indifferent.” The court summoned Balochistan police chiefs and interior secretaries, instructing them to not just provide reports but to ensure effective measures to curb such incidents. The next hearing is scheduled for November 28.
Police records reveal that 26 cases of child abduction have been reported in Quetta this year, five of which were ransom-related. While two of these children were safely recovered, one was found deceased, and two remain missing. An additional 21 cases stemmed from personal disputes and other motives, involving 28 suspects. Authorities claim to have arrested 16 suspects and recovered 13 children, though nine remain unaccounted for.
Muhammad Musawar’s uncle, Haji Malang Kakar, emphasized the family’s trauma, stating they had already lost one child to violence and now face a similar ordeal. He vowed to continue the protest, regardless of harsh winter conditions, until the child is recovered.
The ongoing sit-in at Serena Chowk, supported by school students and teachers, has disrupted Quetta’s traffic flow, but authorities have yet to take significant steps to resolve the crisis. Protesters demand urgent action to ensure the safe recovery of the abducted child and accountability for those responsible.