New cases of enforced disappearances have emerged in Balochistan, with four individuals allegedly forcibly disappeared from Quetta, Turbat, Tump, and Barkhan in recent days.
In Quetta, a young man identified as Zulfiqar Ali Marri from Kohlu district was allegedly taken from his hostel on Jan Muhammad Road. Local sources claim plainclothes personnel of Pakistani intelligence agencies carried out the abduction around 4:30 AM between February 19 and 20.
In Turbat, a man identified as Dr. Zarain was allegedly abducted from Dhank Noman Clinic by armed men in two vehicles. His whereabouts remain unknown.
Separately, in Tump, a man named Tayip, the son of Tariq, was reportedly detained by Pakistani forces at Tump Balicha Cross while en route to Karachi for medical treatment. His whereabouts remain unknown.
Meanwhile, in Barkhan, a youth named Nazeer Ahmed was allegedly taken from a hotel by plainclothes personnel. However, he was later released and has safely returned home.
VBMP Raises Alarm Over Rising Disappearances and Killings
The Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) has expressed “deep concern” over what it describes as a “surge in enforced disappearances and targeted killings of Baloch youth.”
In a statement, VBMP Chairman Nasrullah Baloch, Vice Chairman Mama Qadeer, and Secretary General Hooran Baloch said they visited Mastung on Saturday to hold a consultative meeting with representatives from political parties, student organizations, and civil society.
Attendees included former BSO Chairman Jahangir Manzoor Baloch, BSO Pajjar Vice Chairman Babul Malik Baloch, Baloch Students Action Committee’s Jawad Baloch, Baloch Yakjehti Committee’s Aamir Baloch, and National Party’s Provincial Labour Secretary Mir Ahmed Baloch, among others.
Participants voiced alarm over the lack of progress in recovering missing persons and the continued reports of targeted killings. They demanded the government ensure the safe return of those who have disappeared and end what they call “extrajudicial practices.”
The meeting concluded with a unanimous decision to hold a protest camp and rally in Mastung after Eid, under the VBMP banner. Political parties, student groups, and local residents will be mobilized to participate.
A seven-member committee—including representatives from political parties, student organizations, and civil society—was formed to coordinate the protest and maintain pressure on authorities to address the missing persons issue.