At least seven people forcibly disappeared in Balochistan, triggering widespread unrest

At least seven people have been forcibly disappeared allegedly by Pakistforces from different parts of Balochistan, sparking widespread protests throughout the region, as reported by the Balochistan Post.

According to the Balochistan Post, two individuals–Muzir, son of Nazir, and Jassim, son of Ahmed–were taken by Pakistani forces from the Saidan area of Panjgur late last night. In response, their families have organized a sit-in protest, blocking roads in Saidan and halting traffic in a bid to demand the immediate release of their loved ones.

The Balochistan Post has further reported that protests have also erupted in Khuzdar district, where residents are calling for the recovery of those forcibly disappeared. In a recent incident, Pakistani forces attempted to abduct Mohammad Saleem, son of Rustam Khan, while he was tending to his cattle in Zehri Tarasani. However, local residents and Saleem’s family intervened, preventing the abduction. Despite this, Saleem’s family remains fearful for his safety, and they have warned authority Bilal Balochies that they will hold the state accountable if harm comes to him. Over the past few days, 12 individuals have reportedly been forcibly disappeared in Khuzdar tehsil, prompting families to block roads in protest.

The forced disappearances in Turbat have led to protests along the Turbat-Quetta M-8 CPEC Highway near Shapuk, where women, children, and youth have blocked the road. They are demanding the release of Munir Ahmed, Shakeel Rind, and Sheyhaq Gulam Qadir, who were detained on January 12, 2025, near the Dukram cattle market. Seven additional families, whose relatives have also gone missing, have joined the protests, amplifying the growing calls for justice.