The father of forcibly disappeared youth Zahid Ali was shifted to hospital on Monday after his health deteriorated during a protest campaign outside the Karachi Press Club.
According to family members, Abdul Hameed Baloch, the father of missing Zahid Ali, has been suffering from hepatitis and suddenly fell ill, first being taken to a local clinic and later admitted to hospital, where he remains under treatment. Despite his illness, relatives said, Abdul Hameed had been leading a protest camp outside the Karachi Press Club for the past six weeks, demanding the recovery of his son.
Zahid Ali, a univeristy student and a rickshaw driver, was allegedly detained by the Pakistani forces a few months ago. His family has been protesting for his safe release for a month and a half. The family had temporarily suspended their protest previously when Zahid’s father’s health suddenly worsened.
Zahid Ali’s mother, speaking to media, said the family had sought justice through every legal avenue but received no response. “We have knocked on every door of justice but no one listened”, she said. A case has been filed in court and an FIR registered at the local police station, yet the state institutions still deny Zahid’s arrest.
She demanded that if there are allegations against her son, he should be presented before a court. “Secret detentions and unconstitutional methods will not be tolerated,” she added.
The mother further said Zahid Ali is innocent and was the breadwinner of the family. “His enforced disappearance has pushed the entire family to the brink of economic and psychological collapse,” she said.