Protests and road blockades have brought parts of Balochistan to a standstill following the alleged abduction of Asma Jattak Baloch.
According to reports, markets in the Jhalawan region remained closed for the third consecutive day, while demonstrators have been staging a sit-in on the Khuzdar highway for the past 48 hours.
On Saturday, the Quetta-Karachi highway was completely blocked at Gadani Mor in Lasbela and Kalat. Protesters also blocked entry points at Gadani, Hub Chowki, and Naseerabad, demanding her immediate recovery.
In Naseerabad, demonstrators burned tires and halted traffic on the main highway.
Protesters are demanding that the Balochistan government take immediate action to ensure the safe recovery of Asma Jattak.
‘State-Backed’ Militia Accused of Abduction
Ms. Jattak was reportedly abducted from her home in Khuzdar on Thursday night by an armed group.
Local residents claim the group is a state-backed militia, locally known as a “death squad”. They allege that this group operates under the patronage of former Balochistan Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri.
Human rights groups and activists allege that such state-backed militias operate under the auspices of Pakistani secret services and have been actively involved in enforced disappearances, targeted killings of political activists, and illicit activities, including drug trafficking.
‘Forced Video’ Rejected by Family
Asma Jattak’s family has dismissed a video message of her circulating online, calling it a forced statement.
Her brother, speaking from the protest site, said the video was recorded under duress and called it a manipulative attempt to pressure the family into ending their protest.
“This is a clear attempt to blackmail us,” he said.
He also challenged the authorities, stating that the video’s source could be easily traced through the social media account or contact number from which it was uploaded.
“The government can no longer claim they are unable to trace the perpetrators. If no action is taken, it will be clear that the authorities are deliberately protecting the criminals,” he warned.
Reaffirming the family’s commitment to the protest, he said, “Until my sister is safely recovered and the criminals are punished, our sit-in will continue. We will further intensify and expand our protest.”