Khuzdar family of missing person warns of highway protest

The family of Asif Baloch, a young man from Khuzdar district in Balochistan, has issued a stark warning, threatening to block the national highway if their son is not recovered or produced before a court within 24 hours. They allege that Asif, along with three others, was forcibly taken into custody from Quetta and has since disappeared, with no information about his whereabouts. The family’s protest highlights the ongoing issue of enforced disappearances in the region, raising concerns about human rights violations and state accountability.

Addressing a press conference in Khuzdar, Asif Baloch’s sister, Sara Baloch, revealed that her brother was taken into custody on July 13, 2026. She expressed her anguish over the five days that have passed without any knowledge of his location or condition. Sara emphasized the desperation felt by her family, who are demanding justice and transparency regarding Asif’s disappearance.

Sara Baloch shared that Asif had recently graduated from the University of Peshawar a year prior. She explained that he had come to Quetta two weeks earlier to prepare for an upcoming test, and was staying with friends at the time of the raid. Her account paints a picture of a young man pursuing education and future prospects, now caught in a situation of uncertainty and fear.

According to Sara, the raid was carried out around 5 a.m. by masked men and police personnel. The family claims that the authorities entered their residential room without a warrant and took Asif along with his friends to an unknown location. She described the operation as sudden and unlawful, highlighting the violation of their privacy and rights.

Further details emerged when a watchman at the residence reportedly informed Asif’s family that vehicles without number plates had been patrolling the area before the raid. On the day of the incident, four vehicles, driven by unidentified individuals dressed as security personnel, arrived at the building. They identified themselves as security officers and forcibly took away four individuals, including Asif, leaving the family in distress.

The family voiced their frustration over the police’s failure to register an FIR (First Information Report) for two days following the raid. The watchman’s testimony and the lack of official documentation raise questions about the transparency and legality of the action taken against Asif and others. The family’s plea underscores concerns about impunity and the misuse of authority.

Sara Baloch also highlighted the profound mental anguish suffered by Asif’s mother, sisters, and the entire family. The enforced disappearance has caused immense emotional trauma, with the family demanding justice and the safe recovery of their loved one. They reiterated that enforced disappearance is a serious crime against humanity, insisting that any allegations against Asif should be addressed through the legal process.

In their appeal to authorities, the family called on the Balochistan government and Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti to uphold their pledge of ending enforced disappearances. They urged the government to take immediate action and ensure that such violations do not continue. The family’s demand is clear: Asif Baloch and the others in custody must be produced before a court or released without delay.

The Baloch Students Council (BSC) Islamabad also condemned the alleged enforced disappearance, asserting that it is part of a broader pattern of repression against Baloch youth. The council identified Asif Baloch as a graduate of the University of Peshawar and a former leader of the Baloch Students Council Peshawar, emphasizing his active role in student politics. The organizations called for his immediate release and condemned the ongoing oppression.

The statement from the BSC highlighted that the disappearance of Baloch students is not an isolated incident but part of a systematic pattern targeting young people in the region. They described it as a matter of survival, both individual and collective, warning that such acts threaten the future of Baloch youth and their aspirations. The council urged student organizations, lawyers, journalists, and civil society to unite and raise their voices against these human rights violations.

Finally, the Baloch Students Council issued a strong warning, demanding the immediate release of Asif Baloch, his companions, and all other missing persons. They vowed to pursue all legal avenues and launch a campaign against what they called oppression and brutality. Their stance underscores the urgency of addressing enforced disappearances and holding responsible authorities accountable for these grave violations of human rights.