August 5, 2025
By Rana Malhi
ISLAMABAD
Twenty one (21) days later, families of the Baloch missing persons continue to sit outside the National Press Club, in the capital city, demanding for the recovery of their loved ones and for an end to enforced disappearances.
The protest was noticed by the IHC on August 4, when Chief Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar directed the Islamabad administration to engage in negotiations with the protestors and bring the demonstration to a close through dialogue. He also said that protestors could not block roads and disrupt the businesses of others. However the families say that they wish to remain outside the National Press Club, espeically as it is a place of importance where protests and demonstrations are recorded. Despite the court directions and the protest entering its 21st day on Tuesday, no government representative met with the protesters.
Women, children, and the elderly, are prominent participants of the protest, who are staged outside the Press Club. They have travelled from far flung regions from Balochistan in the hope of securing the safe return of their loved ones. Holding up photographs of their missing relatives, the families remain determined to have their voices heard in the federal capital.
“We have had only one demand for the past 21 days , the recovery of our missing persons and the release of Baloch Yakjehti Committee BYC leadership,” said Fauzia Baloch, one of the protestors.
Seema Baloch, another participant, said she has been attending every sit-in and demonstration for the past nine years with the hope that her missing brother will be returned. “Every time I come with the hope that maybe this time my brother will come back,” she said.
Among the protestors is young Rida Baloch, who has also braved rain and heat over the past three weeks. She expressed her anguish and called on the authorities to ensure the return of her missing brother. “The government must take notice and help us,” she said.
The protesting families urged the authorities to end their suffering by recovering their missing loved ones and releasing detained members of the BYC.
Raji Muchi
On July 28, exactly a year ago, a historic demonstration was held in Gwadar led by Dr Mahrang Baloch, called the Raji Muchi. It was a turning point in Baloch resistance, and thousands arrived despite heavy deployment of security forces. The forces later opened fire, killing two protesters including a 12 year old boy.
Today Dr Mahrang and others who flanked her during these days, are behind bars, with no hope of being released soon. The participants of the Islamabad protest are also demanding that the BYC leaders be released from prison and are advocating for a transparent judicial process rather than arbitrary detentions.