A protest sit-in demanding the release of Khadija Baloch has entered its sixth consecutive day outside Bolan Medical Complex (BMC) in Quetta.
Demonstrators say no significant progress has been made despite nearly a week of protest, and allege that local authorities have failed to take practical steps to address their demands. The fellow students of Khadija claim that Pakistani law-enforcement forces have forcibly disappeared her after taking her into custody during a raid on the girls’ hostel of Bolan Medical College in Quetta.
Protesters further claimed that officials have used negotiations as a means of exerting pressure and intimidation rather than resolving the matter.
Related: Quetta: Sit-in for Khadija Baloch Enters Third Day, Protesters Allege Police Harassment
On Sunday, pamphlets were reportedly distributed in several areas of Quetta, including near BMC Hospital, Brewery Road, and Isa Nagri, as part of a campaign linked to the protest.
Organisers of the sit-in said the purpose of the outreach campaign was to draw attention to what they described as state repression and enforced disappearance and detention of Baloch citizens, particularly women.
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), which has voiced support for the protest, said authorities have remained silent as the demonstration continues and have yet to take concrete action to secure Khadija Baloch’s safe release.
In a statement, the group said the family has remained steadfast throughout the past six days while enduring severe emotional and psychological distress.
The protesters have called for an immediate end to enforced disappearances and demanded that all related cases be handled transparently to ensure justice for affected families.