In Balochistan, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has organized a series of protests in response to the ongoing issue of enforced disappearances perpetrated by the Pakistani military. The latest demonstration took place on October 22, 2024, in Hub Chowki, where participants gathered peacefully despite police blockades aimed at suppressing their voices. This protest is part of a broader movement titled “Breaking the Silence: Standing Against Enforced Disappearances,” which seeks to highlight the plight of families affected by these human rights violations.
The BYC has been vocal about the systematic abduction of Baloch youths, often political activists or ordinary citizens, by state authorities. Families of the disappeared shared poignant stories during the protest, emphasizing their demand for justice and accountability. A statement from the BYC reiterated that their resistance against enforced disappearances remains unwavering, asserting that roadblocks and police violence cannot silence their calls for justice.
The organization has vowed to continue its protests across Balochistan until their demands are met.
The issue of enforced disappearances is deeply rooted in the socio-political landscape of Balochistan, where many residents feel marginalized and oppressed. The Pakistani military’s actions are viewed as part of a larger strategy to quash dissent and maintain control over the region, which is rich in resources but often neglected in terms of development and rights.
The BYC argues that these disappearances are part of a broader campaign against what they describe as a “Baloch genocide,” aimed at suppressing any form of resistance to state policies.The protests have gained momentum following violent crackdowns by security forces. Earlier in October, three men were forcibly disappeared from Panjgur and Khuzdar districts, further inflaming public sentiment against the military’s tactics. In response to earlier protests in Karachi, police resorted to violence and arrests, including detaining BYC leader Lala Wahab Bloch.
International human rights organizations have taken note of these developments. Amnesty International has condemned the brutal crackdown on Baloch protests and called for the immediate release of those detained for exercising their right to peaceful assembly. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has also criticized the government’s heavy-handed approach, urging dialogue with Baloch representatives.
As protests continue throughout Balochistan, the BYC remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for the rights of the Baloch people, striving to bring attention to enforced disappearances and other human rights abuses that have plagued the region for years.
