Asma Baloch, a young girl from Balochistan released a statement appealing to human rights groups and Balochistan government to play a role in the safe recovery of her father and brother.
“I have been waiting my father’s return for last 8 years while my brother is forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces,” she said in her statement.
Asma’s brother Najeeb Jameel was reportedly abducted on August 11, when he was traveling from Panjgur district of Balochistan to Karachi. Whereas, her father Jameel Baloch was allegedly abducted by Pakistani security forces from Awaran, on April 29, 2013.
According to Asma Baloch, her family has not been provided with any information about her brother since the forces arrested and moved him to an unknown location.
“My family is distressed due to the illegal arrest and disappearance of my brother and father,” Asma said.
She called on human rights organisations including the Balochistan government to play a role in the safe recovery of her family members.
It should be noted that enforced disappearances are rampant throughout Balochistan, allegedly at the hands of Pakistani security forces.
Rights groups and activists argue that Pakistani forces forcefully abduct dissidents, journalists, activists and anyone who dares to challenge the narrative of the state. They also say that the detainees are kept in confinement for years and tortured, and some are killed and their dead bodies are thrown in the wilderness.
The Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP), has been protesting for the safe release of missing persons for more than a decade. The campaign group was formed by the families of missing persons to raise voice against enforced disappearances in Balochistan. VBMP has organized numerous events, protests and rallies, including a long walk from Quetta to Karachi and then to Islamabad.
As per VBMP, as many as 45,000 Baloch men, women and children have been disappeared, who are languishing in torture cells. VBMP also alleges that at least 5,000 missing persons have been killed and dumped over last one decade.