The Book of Balochistan: 8th June – Baloch Missing Persons Day – Sahir Baloch
Military operation in Mach, Bolan enters fourth day, disrupting local life
The Pakistani security forces have reportedly cordoned off multiple areas of Balochitan’s Mach, Bolan and their environs, as a large-scale military operation in the region enters its fourth day. The ground troops, assisted by gunship
Quetta: BLA claims responsibility for attack on police that killed 4, injured 18
In a deadly incident that occurred on Monday, at least four people, including two police officers, were killed and 18 others were left injured in an explosion in Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan. The
Rampant street crimes leave residents of Khuzdar in fear and helplessness
The city of Khuzdar has become a hub of criminal activities, with reports indicating that street criminals, snatchers, and thieves are rampant in the area. The situation has left the residents of Khuzdar living in
Balochistan: two men killed in firing incidents
At least two persons were reportedly killed in two separate firing incidents in Balochistan on Friday. According to reports, unidentified armed men entered a house in the Dera Murad Jamali area of Balochistan and shot
Resident of Kech district disappears in Karachi raid
A man from Kech district, Balochistan, has reportedly disappeared in Karachi after Pakistani forces allegedly detained him and his two sons during a raid on their house in Goth Mallir. According to sources, the man’s
Balochistan’s captivating images; A lifeline for ailing photographer
For 14 years, Kamanchar Baloch has dedicated himself to capturing the essence of Balochistan’s culture, stunning landscapes, and the plight of its impoverished residents. Born in Tehsil Mand, Balochistan, on November 25, 1998, Kamanchar has
BSO-Azad concludes 23rd Council Session; Drapshan Baloch elected chairman
The Baloch Students Organization Azad (BSO-Azad) released the highlights of the 23rd Central Council Session. BSO-Azad announced in the media that it wrapped up its 23rd Central Council session, a three-day event held in memory
Quetta: Security forces bring 3 dead bodies to a hospital
Pakistani forces reportedly shifted three dead bodies to a hospital in Balochistan’s capital Quetta on Wednesday. According to reports, Pakistani forces shifted the dead bodies of three men to the civil hospital Quetta — where
Enforced disappearances continue; Another goes ‘missing’ in Panjgur
Another Baloch man went missing from the Panjgur district of Balochistan on Wednesday. According to reports, Pakistani forces have allegedly disappeared a man after his arrest from the Parom area of the district. The detainee
Graphic Novel on a Baloch warrior launched on Amazon
A graphic novel titled “Hammal Jehand: The Sword of Baloch,” illustrating the life of the historic Baloch figure Hammal Jeeyand, or Jehand has been published as an ebook on Amazon. Authored by Nabeel Ahmed Baloch,
The War Is Not Over – Nadir Baloch
Author: Nadir Baloch The history is full of blood shades in the fight between the darkness and the light, Evil and the Good, Right and the wrong, oppressed and the oppressors. In the light of
Imran Khan: Ex-PM arrested outside court in Pakistan
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been arrested outside the High Court in the capital Islamabad. Mr Khan was appearing in court on charges of corruption, which he says are politically motivated. Footage showed
Court grants bail to Mahal Baloch
The bail of Mahal Baloch, a Baloch woman who was forcibly disappeared from her home in Quetta on the night of February 17 and was later arrested by CDT, was approved by the court. On
Pakistan faces challenges securing IMF loan program and avoiding default
On Thursday, IMF officials stated at a press conference that Pakistan would need to secure additional external funds to complete the ninth review of its loan program. However, Pakistan’s Finance Minister Ishaq Dar claims that
Federal Cabinet approved the deployment of army in Balochistan
According to the sources, the Balochistan government had recommended the deployment of the army, the approval to deploy the army in Balochistan has been given through the circulation summary. In view of the recent law
US Congress members write to Blinken about Pakistan’s crisis
The letter calls for pressure to ensure respect for democratic values and human rights in Pakistan. 60 members of the US Congress wrote a letter to the Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the dire
Hindu Girl Abducted at Gunpoint in Pithoro, Umarkot Sindh; Forced Marriage Feared
In a distressing incident, a Hindu girl named Hasena Oad has been abducted by Shokat Shar and four other individuals at gunpoint in Pithoro, Umarkot, Sindh. The girl’s father has filed a complaint at the
Baloch Students Council Condemns Attack on Baloch Students at Punjab University Lahore
The Baloch students council peshawar strongly condemns the brutal attack on Baloch students at Punjab University Lahore. Baloch students have been facing a critical situation for decades. Such violence against Baloch students is an old
Brave Baloch warrior, Shari Baloch is laid to rest
Mortal remains of Shari Baloch, who targeted Chinese teachers in an attack on the main gate of Karachi University on April 26 last year, were handed over to her family yesterday. Shari Baloch’s funeral prayer
Written By: Sahir Baloch
On 8th June each year, Balochistan observes Baloch Missing Persons Day, a solemn reminder of the hundreds, if not thousands, of Baloch individuals who have disappeared over the years. This day is dedicated to highlighting the plight of these missing persons and the ongoing human rights violations in the region.
Historical Context
Balochistan has a tumultuous history marked by conflict and resistance. Following its forced annexation by Pakistan in 1948, the region has experienced significant unrest. The Baloch people have long fought for their autonomy and rights, which has often led to harsh reprisals from the state, including enforced disappearances.
The Enforced Disappearances
Enforced disappearances in Balochistan began intensifying in the early 2000s. The state security forces and intelligence agencies have been abducting Baloch activists, students, and political leaders to stifle dissent. These missing persons are often detained without charge or trial, and their whereabouts remain unknown, causing profound distress to their families.
Notable Cases
Zakir Majeed:
A student leader and human rights activist, Zakir Majeed was abducted on 8th June 2009. Despite continuous efforts by his family and organizations like the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons, his fate remains unknown. His sister, Farzana Majeed, has been a vocal advocate for his release, undertaking long marches and numerous protests.
Dr. Deen Mohammad Baloch:
A medical doctor abducted in 2009, Dr. Deen Mohammad Baloch’s daughter, Sammi Baloch, has spent her childhood protesting for his release, a tragic reflection of the impact of these disappearances on families.
Sangat Sana Baloch:
An activist associated with the Baloch National Movement (BNM), Sangat Sana Baloch was abducted in December 2009. His mutilated body was found months later, a stark reminder of the brutalities faced by the missing persons.
Abdul Ghaffar Baloch:
Ghaffar Baloch, the father of human rights activist Mahrang Baloch, was abducted by security forces in 2009. His disappearance was a devastating blow to his family, particularly to Mahrang, who became an outspoken advocate for the rights of missing persons. Tragically, her father was later found dead with signs of torture.
Rashid Hussain:
A young Baloch activist, Rashid Hussain was reportedly abducted. His family has been tirelessly campaigning for his release, but his whereabouts remain unknown.
Wahid Baloch:
A renowned publisher and intellectual, Wahid Baloch was abducted in 2016. Despite international outcry and campaigns for his release, he remains missing, highlighting the ongoing crisis of enforced disappearances in Balochistan.
The Movement for Justice
The Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) is at the forefront of the campaign to recover the missing. Founded by families of the disappeared, the VBMP organizes protests, hunger strikes, and international campaigns to draw attention to the issue. They advocate for transparency, justice, and the safe return of their loved ones.
International Attention and Advocacy
International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have called on State to address these enforced disappearances and hold the perpetrators accountable. Despite these calls, the situation remains dire, with new disappearances reported regularly.
The Significance of 8th June
Each year, 8th June serves as a poignant reminder of the unresolved plight of the missing. Protests and vigils are held across Balochistan and in diaspora communities worldwide. The day is marked by emotional appeals from families and survivors, urging the global community to take notice and action.
In Quetta, families of the disappeared gather in front of the Quetta Press Club, holding life-sized portraits of their missing loved ones.
