- विज्ञापन -
Balochistan [Pakistan]: A protest was held in Basima, Washuk district, Balochistan, on Tuesday, demanding the immediate release of Mahjabeen Baloch and her brother Younus Baloch, who were allegedly kidnapped by Pakistani security forces. The demonstration attracted a diverse group of participants, including women, students, elders, and civil society representatives, and took place in Basima’s main square. Protesters carried photographs of the siblings and banners with messages like “Stop Enforced Disappearances” and “Bring Our Loved Ones Back.”
During the protest, chants criticizing the policies of the Pakistani government and security agencies in Balochistan were sung. The demonstrators warned that if Mahjabeen and Younus were not freed within 24 hours, they would escalate their protest into a province-wide movement. They also issued a warning that the authorities would be held fully accountable if harm came to the siblings.
Mahjabeen’s sister, Ruqia Baloch, addressed the crowd, emphasizing that the family was still traumatized and urged authorities to produce the siblings in court rather than unlawfully detaining them. According to reports, Younus was abducted from their Basima home on May 24, while Mahjabeen, a library science student at the University of Balochistan, was taken from Quetta Civil Hospital Hostel early on May 29. The family claims that security and intelligence officials searched the hostel without a warrant, and no explanation has been provided since. There has been no formal investigation or court appearance for either sibling.
The Baloch Women’s Forum (BWF) condemned the detention of Mahjabeen, calling it an act of cowardice, and demanded her immediate release, describing the situation as increasingly intolerable. Sabiha Baloch, a leading figure of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), accused the state of continuing a brutal campaign of genocide against the Baloch people. The TBP report highlighted that enforced disappearances are ongoing in broad daylight and under cover of darkness, with women and children now victims of such practices.
