February 7, 2025
Amir Bajoi
QUETTA
For two days, dozens of people have been blocking the main road of Khuzdar’s Karachi-Quetta National Highway, in protest against the kidnapping of a woman, named Asma.
The sit-in is being carried out near the vegetable market, suspending the two-way traffic in the area, leaving thousands of passengers stranded in their vehicles.
Background
According to the authorities, late night on February 6, several armed men attacked a colony located at the Khuzdar Police Line and kidnapped a woman from her house. Subsequently, the woman’s family took to the streets to protest the disappearance and have been doing so since Thursday morning.
Khair Bibi, Asma’s mother, spoke to Voicepk and showed her determination to carry on the protest while also expressing her fear and grief over the incident.
“It has been two days since my daughter was kidnapped,” said Khair Bibi. “There were men, armed with weapons and sticks. They tied up the children and beat them. Then they dragged my daughter – who was barefeet and without a dupatta. Yet still they dragged her outside as she screamed. Now the sit-in will continue until my kidnapped daughter is released.”
Asma’s cousin Zamarud also seconded this, saying she has been kidnapped since two days and until she was released, the protest would continue.
The elders of the tribe are also participating in the protest, where everyone has come to express their sympathy.
Ataullah Jatak, the brother of the kidnapped woman told Voicepk that 36 hours ago some people attacked their house and beat up his family. “They took my younger sister with them. Now we have been sitting here for two days. We demand from the district administration that my sister be rescued and legal action be taken against the accused.”
Meanwhile the protest has left thousands of passengers stranded in this protest, the highway being the only national road connecting Karachi with Quetta, Iran and Afghanistan. Strangded passengers are also demanding that the government holds talks to resolve the issue.
“We have been stranded here for two days. I have women and children riding with me. There is no food and drink facility in the hotels. All the passengers are worried,” said Khair Muhammad, a driver.
Contacting the authorities here, Voicepk found out that efforts were underway to recover the kidnapped woman, while talks with the protesters were also underway.
Reasons
The family first claimed that at first that the members of another tribe was behind the abduction. However later they changed their statement and withdrew the allegation. Possible reasons included a feud between the woman’s Jatak tribe and the other tribe.
Isbal Zehri, daughter of Sanaullah Zehri, took to Twitter and condemned the abduction.
“I strongly condemn the shocking incident that occurred in Police Line, Khuzdar yesterday,” said the member of National Assembly (MNA). “Such acts of violence and injustice are unacceptable and must be met with the strongest possible response. I stand in unwavering solidarity with the victim and her family during this incredibly difficult time. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the culprits are brought to justice and held accountable for their actions.”
She pushed the government to take action.
“I call upon the authorities to take immediate and decisive action to investigate this incident thoroughly and to implement measures that will prevent such occurrences in the future making sure the culprit is put to task.”