The Baloch people, historically known for their ferocity, bravery, and hospitality, are currently facing a horrific situation known as the “missing persons” dilemma. Since the early 2000s, enforced disappearances have begun and continue to this day. There are various conspiracy theories about the actual number of missing persons. However, according to the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP), more than 7,000 people are missing from Balochistan.
Adding to this, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) announced a peaceful protest on August 28th in Gwadar. However, the government did not grant permission for this peaceful demonstration. In response, security forces attempted to prevent citizens from joining the protest by blocking roads, cutting off food and water supplies, and shutting down all network services across the province. These actions led to an increase in the number of protesters, and the subsequent blockade by security forces escalated the situation, resulting in several casualties.
It’s important to note that this was not the first protest of its kind. Families of the missing persons have been protesting for decades, demanding answers and justice for their loved ones.
Last year, thousands of Baloch people marched toward Islamabad after the alleged fake encounter of Balach Mola Baksh. They demanded justice for Balach and other missing persons. Another demand from the families was that if their loved ones had committed crimes, they should be presented before the judiciary. Although the long march ended without any tangible results, it did draw international attention to the victims’ families and their cause, including solidarity from human rights organizations and prominent figures like Greta Thunberg, the well-known climate activist.
Despite the ongoing resistance, the families continue to suffer from psychological issues. According to a 2019 report by the Baloch Education Foundation, 75% of Baloch youth, particularly university students, live in constant fear of enforced disappearances. In Balochistan, these disappearances are all too common, widely believed to be part of an operation to counter insurgency in the region. However, the Baloch claim that the local population is often targeted based on false information or mere suspicion. The military operations have also caused significant suffering within the local community.
Working human rights organizations for Baloch missing persons reported 55 registered cases of enforced disappearances in May 2024 alone. However, the Interior Minister, Mir Zia ullah Lango, refused to acknowledge these claims, instead blaming the missing persons for the insurgency. On the other hand, Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a social activist, asserts that these peaceful protests represent resistance to what she describes as the fifth phase of Baloch genocide and the deprivation of the Baloch people of their own natural resources. While the state benefits greatly from these resources, the natives see little to no benefit.
Some allegations from the establishment suggest that these Baloch individuals are involved in various terrorist activities and seek to disrupt developmental projects due to foreign funding. Nonetheless, the people of Balochistan continue to raise their voices against the enforced disappearances of Baloch youth. The resistance persists, with various human rights organizations amplifying their cause.
In conclusion, the question remains: will the state of Pakistan ever resolve the Baloch missing persons dilemma? The hope for a peaceful Balochistan endures.
