Several human rights organizations and activists observed the ‘Baloch Missing Persons Day’ in Balochistan on Monday. They remembered victims of enforced disappearances in the region and criticized Pakistani security forces for arbitrary detentions, torture, and extrajudicial killings.
The decision to designate June 8 as Missing Persons Day in Balochistan was made by the Baloch Students Organisation(BSO)-Azad during a central committee meeting in 2017. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about the Pakistani authorities’ harsh practice of enforced disappearances.
BSO-Azad, condemning the Pakistani forces’ actions, used social media on Monday to honor the victims of enforced disappearances. They highlighted the severe torture endured by many who were taken away by Pakistani security agencies. Some victims returned after days of torture, while others never came back, with some even being killed in fake encounters or extrajudicial killings.
According to the student body, the number of individuals taken by the agencies and later found dead amounts to thousands. Many victims disappeared and never returned after being taken by Pakistani state agencies. The call was made to advocate for those in torture cells and to expose the atrocities committed by Pakistan in abducting numerous individuals.
Human rights organization Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) emphasized that the day symbolizes the systematic political strategy of the state to instill fear, silence, and division in Balochistan. BYC urged individuals to speak out against enforced disappearances, support affected families, and challenge the political system built on fear.
Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ), another human rights body, highlighted that enforced disappearances violate fundamental human rights such as liberty, security, and due process. BVJ stressed the importance of accountability to alleviate the suffering of affected families and uphold justice and the rule of law.
On this day of remembrance and determination, BVJ reiterated its commitment to stand with the families of the missing persons. They demanded truth, justice, and the immediate release of all forcibly disappeared individuals, vowing to continue advocating until every missing person is located and reunited with their families.
