Families of three young men killed during a clash between suspected Baloch fighters and Pakistani security forces in Balochistan’s Kech district are staging a sit-in protest, demanding the return of the bodies, which remain in the custody of security forces three days after the incident.
The men — identified as Nabeel Hoth, Zakaullah, and Feroz — were reportedly killed during an exchange of fire on Monday night in the Dank area of Turbat, Kech district. Following the clash, the bodies were taken by security forces and have not been released, according to family members and local sources.
On Thursday, relatives of the deceased, joined by local residents, blocked the M-8 highway at D Baloch Chowk in Turbat and launched a sit-in protest. They said the continued withholding of the bodies is causing distress and violates religious burial traditions, particularly given the region’s extreme heat.
“Three days have passed, and we still haven’t received our sons’ bodies,” one family member said. “In this heat, we fear the bodies are decomposing. This is inhumane and against all moral and religious values.”
Protesters announced that if the bodies are not returned, they will hold collective funeral prayers at the protest site on Friday.
Authorities Warn of Crackdown
Local sources said that women participating in the sit-in have received warnings from district authorities. The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Kech allegedly sent a message threatening baton charges and legal action under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (3MPO) if the protest was not ended and the road reopened by nightfall.
Eyewitnesses said that during Isha (night) prayers, police, Levies, and female security personnel surrounded the protest site, raising fears of a possible late-night crackdown.
“Targeting women protestors shows the administration’s unwillingness to listen,” said one demonstrator. “We are peacefully demanding the return of our loved ones.”
Sources added that the Deputy Commissioner cited pressure from the Balochistan Chief Minister and higher authorities to forcibly clear the protest if necessary.
New Police Appointment Sparks Fear of Escalation
Amid growing tensions, Captain Zohaib Mohsin has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Police (SP) for Kech district. According to political sources, his appointment is seen as a sign of impending tough measures against the protest movement.
Captain Zohaib is known for his close ties to the military and strict implementation of state directives, sources said.
Protesters reiterated their right to peaceful demonstration and said they would continue the sit-in until the bodies are handed over, allowing for proper burials in accordance with religious tradition.
At the time of publication, there had been no official statement from the district administration or Pakistani security forces explaining the continued withholding of the bodies or addressing the warnings issued to the protesters.