Eid al-Adha in Balochistan: Protests over missing persons and political demonstrations
During Eid al-Adha celebrations across various districts of Balochistan, protests and political statements highlighted ongoing tensions, human rights concerns, and the issue of enforced disappearances in the region.
In Quetta, the provincial capital, families of missing persons organized a demonstration outside the Quetta Press Club, coordinated by Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP). Women and children participated alongside relatives of the disappeared, holding photographs of their loved ones and demanding information about their whereabouts.
Speakers at the protest included VBMP Chairman Nasrullah Baloch, activist Niaz Baloch, and senior politician Maheem Khan Baloch. They emphasized that while Eid was being celebrated in many parts of the country, Baloch families continued to spend the holiday campaigning for the recovery of their loved ones. Despite years passing, many families had yet to receive any updates about their missing relatives.
Nasrullah Baloch stated that the VBMP had repeatedly called for the resolution of enforced disappearances through legal and constitutional channels. However, he claimed authorities had failed to address the issue adequately and had recently registered 257 new cases since February. He also accused officials of pressuring the organization to end its protest camp in Quetta.
In Khuzdar, families of missing persons organized a rally on Eid al-Adha, joined by local residents and civil society members. Protesters demanded the recovery of all missing individuals and urged authorities to produce detainees before courts if charges existed against them. Speakers such as Sadia Baloch and Saira Baloch shared personal stories about how enforced disappearances had affected their families. They criticized the lack of justice and accountability for these cases in Balochistan.
In Kharan, reports indicated that armed Baloch fighters, known locally as “Sarmachaars,” addressed Eid congregations in the Tazina and Ulmark areas. According to local sources, the fighters called on residents to support the Baloch national struggle and urged unity among the people. Attendees listened to their speeches and interacted with the armed men. Similar public appearances by Baloch fighters had been reported during Eid al-Fitr celebrations earlier this year.
Pakistani authorities have not issued any official statements regarding the protests or the public appearances by Baloch fighters during Eid.
