The family of Abdul Hameed Zehri, a former victim of enforced disappearance in Balochistan who spent 31 months in detention before his release on 31 October 2023, has expressed deep concern that he is at risk of being forcibly disappeared again.
According to his daughter, Saeeda Hameed, unknown plain-clothed individuals have been visiting their home repeatedly for several days, carrying her father’s photograph and asking about his whereabouts. She said the same individuals have entered their home multiple times to question the family.
Saeeda questioned why, despite her father’s prolonged disappearance and the torture he suffered, officials had still not concluded any investigation. “What kind of inquiry is this,” she said, “that even after thirty-one months of torture and suffering has still not been completed, and now they are looking for an opportunity to disappear my father again?”
She added that her father’s case had been raised in the parliament, judiciary, senate, and media, yet those responsible “keep the law, constitution, judiciary, and media in their pocket while disappearing people.”
Saeeda said the family “cannot bear” another enforced disappearance. She appealed to those in power to take immediate notice of the situation and ensure her father’s safety.
According to the family, Abdul Hameed Zehri was taken into custody by intelligence agencies on 10 April 2021 from Karachi, in front of his relatives, and remained missing for 31 months. He was released on 31 October 2023 in what the family described as a “half-dead condition” after enduring severe torture during his disappearance.
Human rights groups have repeatedly highlighted the risks faced by previously disappeared individuals in Balochistan, warning that several former detainees have been subjected to renewed harassment, intimidation, or re-abductions after their release.