The controversial provincial government has imposed Section 144 across Balochistan to suppress ongoing protests and sit-ins against enforced disappearances and custodial killings. Due to organised public protests over the enforced disappearance of Zubair Baloch, he was eventually recovered. However, the families of Zarif Baloch and Naveed Baloch are staging a sit-in at Shaheed Fida Chowk in Turbat, the central district of Kech, protesting the custodial killings of their loved ones.
Zarif Baloch was forcibly disappeared from his home in Dazen, a region in Tump, by Frontier Corps soldiers in front of his family. His tortured body was found in Dazen the following day. His family was prevented from protesting, threatened, and coerced into carrying out his burial under duress.
The protest against the custodial killing of Zarif Baloch in District Kech is not the first of its kind. A movement was initiated from Shaheed Fida Chowk following the custodial killing of Balach Baloch. This movement led to organised public protests across Balochistan and a historic sit-in in Islamabad. However, state institutions remain oblivious to the fact that their unlawful actions cannot suppress the voice of the Baloch people.
Around the world, the New Year begins with celebrations, but in Balochistan, it begins under the shadow of Section 144 and protests against custodial killings. The organised public demonstrations against Zubair Baloch’s enforced disappearance make it clear that imposing Section 144 cannot suppress public dissent. Instead of remaining silent in the face of state oppression, the Baloch nation will continue to choose the path of protest.