Protests continue across Balochistan as demonstrators demand justice for enforced disappearances and alleged extrajudicial killings. In Kalat, protestors have blocked the Quetta-Karachi National Highway for over 14 hours, while in Turbat, the family of Zarif Baloch, who allegedly died due to torture by Pakistani forces, has staged a sit-in at Fida Chowk.
In Kalat, the family of Syed Akhtar Shah, reportedly abducted weeks ago, is joined by other families of missing persons in a sit-in that has paralyzed traffic on the critical highway. Protestors, including elderly individuals and young children, are braving freezing temperatures by lighting fires and maintaining their presence on the road. Long queues of vehicles on both sides of the highway have left thousands of passengers stranded, drawing sharp criticism of the government for its inaction.
Akhtar Shah’s family revealed that local authorities had previously assured them of his release within three days, but two weeks have passed with no progress. The demonstrators insist they will not reopen the road until his safe recovery is guaranteed.
In Turbat, the family of Zarif Baloch, who was allegedly tortured to death in the custody of the Pakistani security forces, has called on the public to join them in their sit-in. According to relatives, Zarif was brutally tortured, with injuries including the removal of his tongue. They have described his killing as part of a broader effort to silence dissent and suppress the Baloch voices. The protestors have urged residents of Kech to stand united against such acts of brutality.
The protests have highlighted the growing frustration over the state’s alleged role in enforced disappearances and violence against civilians in Balochistan. Meanwhile, passengers stranded on the Quetta-Karachi highway have appealed to the government to negotiate with the protestors and resolve the issue swiftly, as the cold weather and prolonged delays exacerbate their suffering.