Protests against enforced disappearances and the arrest of Baloch political activists continue across Pakistan, with sit-ins being staged in Islamabad, Karachi and Turbat.
In Islamabad, a sit-in organised by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has entered its 52nd day. The protest, held near the National Press Club, is led by relatives of missing persons, including elderly women, mothers and children. Demonstrators are demanding the release of BYC leadership recently detained by authorities and the recovery of individuals allegedly subjected to enforced disappearance in Balochistan.
The BYC stated that for nearly two months families have braved harsh weather, harassment and constant surveillance, yet authorities have prevented them from establishing a protest camp at the Press Club and continue to restrict access. According to the group, participants face intimidation while their demands remain unaddressed.
Meanwhile, in Karachi, a parallel sit-in outside the Press Club has entered its 32nd day. Families of missing students, including Zahid Ali, say that despite earlier assurances from officials, no information regarding their loved ones has been provided.
Protesters in both cities have criticised the government and national media for ignoring their demands, describing the silence as a violation of human and civil rights. They have appealed to human rights organisations and the international community to take notice and press Pakistan to ensure the recovery of missing persons.
In Turbat’s Nasirabad area, residents have also launched a protest following security raids in which several homes were searched and multiple young men allegedly detained and taken to unknown locations. On Friday, large numbers of women and children blocked Zubaida Jalal Road, suspending traffic. Demonstrators claimed that during the raids, residents were mistreated, families were subjected to intimidation, and detainees’ whereabouts remain undisclosed.
The protesters vowed to continue their sit-in until those detained are released. They warned that if authorities fail to respond, they may expand their demonstrations to block key highways, including routes connected to the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Local sources noted that Nasirabad had already been under curfew in August due to security concerns, during which residents were ordered to remain indoors and businesses closed. Several individuals were reportedly taken into custody during that period as well, with families still seeking information about them.
The ongoing protests underscore the persistence of enforced disappearance allegations in Balochistan and the deepening frustration of affected families, who continue to demand answers and accountability.