The Baloch Students Action Committee (BSAC) said the disappearance of BSO Pajjar leader Babul Malik Baloch from a hostel in Quetta was “concerning” and part of what it described as an “anti-education” climate for students in Balochistan.
In a statement, the committee’s central spokesperson said the situation in Balochistan was becoming increasingly alarming, claiming the education system was “paralyzed” while an “unending series” of enforced disappearances and harassment of students from educational institutions continued.
The statement came after BSO Pajjar said its central senior vice chairman, Babul Malik Baloch, was taken from the Polytechnic College hostel late on Tuesday night and moved to an undisclosed location, after which his whereabouts remain unknown.
BSAC said the targeting of politically active students and office-bearers of student organizations inside educational institutions was creating uncertainty and fear, adding that parents now had to “think a thousand times” before sending their children to study.
It said student organizations had historically remained at the forefront of education and literacy efforts and cited its own “Baloch Literacy Campaign”, including awareness sessions across Balochistan and data collection, adding that such initiatives were now being curtailed.
Condemning Babul Malik Baloch’s disappearance, BSAC demanded that authorities review their policies, release him “as soon as possible”, and ensure Baloch students can continue their education in a peaceful environment.