July 30, 2025
By Rana Malhi
ISLAMABAD
The protest by the families of missing persons from Balochistan, outside the Islamabad Press Club, entered its 15th consecutive day on Tuesday, as relatives demanded the safe recovery of their loved ones, some of whom have been missing since years, and called on the government to break its silence and recover them.
The protest camp, which has drawn families from far-flung areas of Balochistan, includes women, elderly individuals, and young children. Holding portraits of their missing relatives, the families say they have been forced to travel hundreds of miles to the federal capital in the hope that their voices will be heard by those in power.
Despite the passage of two weeks, the protesters say that no representative of the federal government has even bothered to visit the camp and meet them, or has made any effort to address their concerns.
However in the absence of official outreach, several political and civil society figures have visited the camp to express solidarity. Veteran politician Javed Hashmi, who visited the protest on Tuesday, said that the issue of missing persons in Balochistan was a long-standing one and needed urgent attention. “The government should initiate dialogue with these families and listen to their grievances. They have been sitting here in Islamabad for many days now,” he said.
Similarly, senior politician and former chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), Afrasiab Khattak, speaking to journalists at the protest, condemned enforced disappearances incidents in Balochistan, and the pain inflicted on the families. He stressed that it is unjust to detain people without due process and said the authorities must listen to those who have come all the way from Balochistan to seek justice.
Families speak through their tears
Among the demonstrators is Shah Bibi, a mother whose son has been missing for over a year. She said she has no information about his whereabouts or well-being. “We have submitted petitions at every forum, but no one has responded. We are here only to seek justice,” she said.
Several families present at the protest also called on the government to ensure the immediate recovery of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders and other missing persons. They urged authorities to end the uncertainty and fear that has taken over their lives.
The protest continues, with participants vowing not to leave until concrete steps are taken for the recovery of their loved ones.