In December, hundreds of citizens in Pakistan marched on the capital Islamabad to demand answers about their forcibly disappeared family members in Balochistan province. Led by courageous women like Sammi Deen Baloch, who carried a laminated photograph of her missing father, the protesters walked nearly 1,000 miles to shed light on the human rights violations and state oppression prevalent in Balochistan. This conflict-ridden province has been the stage for a long-running nationalist insurgency, with separatist militants advocating for a free Balochistan. The protesters claim that their loved ones, predominantly men, have been arbitrarily detained, tortured, and killed by Pakistani security forces without any accountability. While Islamabad authorities deny these allegations, international organizations estimate thousands of enforced disappearances have occurred in the past two decades.
The demand for answers focuses on the arrest, detention, abduction, or any form of deprivation of liberty by state agents – a practice recognized as enforced disappearances by the United Nations. Families like Sammi’s have been left in limbo, not knowing the fate of their missing loved ones. The Voice for Baloch Missing Persons, a non-profit organization, has registered approximately 7,000 cases since 2004. However, the government’s Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances currently recognizes 2,752 active cases in Balochistan as of January 2024. Pakistan’s interim prime minister, on the other hand, claims that only about 50 people are missing. This stark discrepancy in numbers highlights the need for transparency and accountability in addressing enforced disappearances.
Efforts have been made to address this issue, such as the passage of a bill by Pakistan’s National Assembly in 2021 to criminalize enforced disappearances. However, the law has not yet come into force, and court directives holding the state responsible have been criticized for lack of follow-through. Meanwhile, rights groups assert that many of those who have been picked up in recent years are innocent Baloch people who have no affiliation with armed resistance groups. Pakistani journalist Taha Siddiqui argues that officials often detain individuals based on suspicion or false information provided by rival pro-Pakistan groups in Balochistan.
Protesters are demanding that Pakistani authorities follow legal procedures rather than arbitrarily detain individuals. They advocate for due process and for those accused to be presented before the court if they have committed any wrongdoing. The pain and suffering inflicted on families through enforced disappearances have resulted in significant mental and emotional trauma. Sammi expresses the anguish her family endures, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice.
Last year’s long march aimed to bring global attention to the human rights violations and state oppression in Balochistan. Mahrang Baloch, a prominent figure in the Baloch resistance movement, hopes that their efforts will shed light on extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances. These incidents have escalated alarmingly, leaving many unaccounted for and causing lasting psychological and physical harm among survivors.
Balochistan’s struggle for greater autonomy and development has gained international attention due to recent air strikes from Iran and retaliatory strikes from Pakistan. Baloch groups in both countries have long fought for an independent Balochistan state, accusing the Pakistani government of exploiting the province’s resources while neglecting its development. Additionally, Balochistan is a crucial part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, a major infrastructure project funded by China. However, there are concerns that the Baloch people will not receive the employment opportunities created through this project.
As Pakistan prepares for general elections, protesters and observers doubt that the Baloch people will experience any change or improvement in their situation. The state’s strategy of pushing non-Baloch candidates to contest in Baloch constituencies further marginalizes the community. The upcoming elections are of little significance to the Baloch, who believe that human rights violations and enforced disappearances will persist regardless of the governing party. The struggle for justice in Balochistan continues, and international support and attention are crucial in pushing for accountability and change.
