Enforced disappearances and Baloch genocides are common traumas in every household in Balochistan, the largest province of Pakistan by land, for the last several decades. Since 1971, the state (Pakistan) has committed various atrocities against the Baloch people. Many Baloch youths have been abducted and never returned home, while others have been killed by the state forces of Pakistan.

This historical movement began in Turbat when Balach Moula Baksh, a resident of Turbat, was abducted by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and presented in the District and Session Court of Turbat. After a thorough investigation, the District and Session Judge granted him a ten-day remand, but he was subsequently killed by the CTD under the pretext of counterfeiting.

Following Balach Moula Baksh’s demise, the Baloch Yakjeeti Committee organized rallies across various parts of Balochistan. Balach Moula Baksh’s body was kept in Turbat at Shaheed Fida Chowk for several days before being buried. The Baloch Yakjeeti Committee (BYC) then initiated a movement against Baloch genocides and the enforced disappearance of Baloch youth, starting from Turbat and heading towards Quetta with participants from different parts of Balochistan.

The journey to lead the movement to Islamabad from Turbat, through Quetta and several regions of Balochistan, was challenging, but the participants steadfastly confronted each constraint courageously and spiritually. The Pakistani forces attempted to prevent the movement at every point in Balochistan.

Several people joined the movement from different regions of Balochistan, ultimately leading it to Islamabad to amplify their voices. However, the movement faced multiple barriers before reaching the National Press Club of Islamabad. The Islamabad police tried to stop the movement from entering the National Press Club, brutally oppressing men, old women, and children and attempting to force the peaceful protesters back to Quetta. Every national citizen has the right to assemble for constitutional rights.

It is strongly denounced that peaceful protesters were not allowed to address their constitutional issues in the Islamabad National Press Club. Despite international media support, Pakistani and foreign journalists highlighting the actual conditions in Balochistan, and senior advocates of supreme courts consoling the movement participants, the state has not heeded their demands.

The Baloch Yakjeeti Committee prioritized a UN Committee visit to Pakistan for a fact-finding petition to investigate the ongoing conditions in Balochistan. Unfortunately, the UN organization did not respond positively to the demands.

Dr. Mahrang Baloch, the leading representative of the movement, declared that after receiving no attention despite calling for constitutional rights, they have now decided to sit-in camps in front of the UN office in Islamabad.

An oppressed person of enforced disappearance remarked, “The state should at least tell us whether their beloved missing persons are alive or not.” She added, “If they have been killed, their graves should be shown to us, so that we must not wait anymore.”

Sammi Deen Baloch, the daughter of Dr. Deen Baloch, whose father was abducted 13 years ago, added her remarks. “My mother has been waiting for her husband to return home for the last 13 years. We cannot uphold much patience to endure the pain of waiting; rather, the state should declare whether my father is alive or not.”

Senator Mushtag Ahmed Khan tried to address the issue of missing persons and Baloch genocides in the parliament with full evidence, but he was unheard in a proper way. Such scenes show that the state would never take the issue seriously.

During an exclusive interview with an International Media representative, Dr. Mahrang Baloch expressed the state’s responsibility to end the enforced disappearance of Baloch people, halt Baloch genocide, stop the exploitation of Balochistan’s resources, and treat Baloch as national citizens of Pakistan.

The state constitutionally declared in the 1973 Constitution’s Article 9, “Laws shall ensure safety and security for the life of all citizens equally.” Unfortunately, the state itself is involved in killing Baloch citizens ruthlessly. Article 25 of the 1973 Constitution guarantees, “All citizens shall be treated equally.” Unfortunately, the state has exploited resources for Baloch citizens and deprived them of equal rights.

“Every citizen shall have the right to assemble peacefully and without arms, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by laws in the interest of public order,” guaranteed by the 1973 Constitution in Article 16. Unfortunately, the state itself has violated the laws, with Islamabad police harassing peaceful protesters every day. They have also harassed and threatened those supporting the peaceful protesters.

Contrary to this, people in large numbers are demonstrating protests and rallies across different regions of Balochistan, Sindh, including Malir, Lyari, Awaran, Hub Chowki, Panjgur, and many more, facing harassment and disturbance by the District police.

Due to the government’s irresponsible behavior, the Baloch Long March has completed its 50th day without receiving any solid and reasonable answers from the government.

The Baloch Yakjeeti Committee calls on the entire world to participate in the movement, raising their voices louder against Baloch enforced disappearances and Baloch genocides. The movement will persist until the government seriously addresses the people’s entitled demands.