Dec 31, 2024
Staff Report
LAHORE
University graduate Zubair Baloch, who was abducted from Balochistan’s Hub district a few days ago, has reunited with his family following protest demonstrations demanding his safe return.
According to a post on the Baloch Yakjheti Committee’s (BYC) social media account on December 31, Zubair Baloch’s family confirmed his safe release. As a result, BYC and Zubair’s family concluded their protest in the Hub on December 30.
Earlier, police and security forces Monday detained two protesters from Zubair’s family in a crackdown on their demonstration on the RCD Highway at Bhowani in Hub.
The demonstration was called to demand the safe return home of Zubair Baloch who was abducted from his residence in Hub on December 26. According to the Balochistan Yakjheti Committee (BYC), police fired tear gas shells to disperse the demonstration, and detained protesters. The BYC said it was deeply concerned about the well-being of the peaceful protesters, most of whom were women, children, and elderly.
Abdullah Baloch, a member of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, told Voicepk that initially the whereabouts of the detained protesters could not be ascertained from three police stations in Hub but later they received intimation that two protesters were in lockup at Hite Hub Police Station.
Police said the detained protesters were accused of pelting stones at police officials and drivers of vehicles during the demonstration.
After negotiations between Zubair’s family and police officials, the two protesters were released on the surety of lawyers and human rights advocates. Following their release, the family members ended their demonstration at the RCD Highway which was opened to traffic at around 9.30 pm on December 30.
Upon reuniting with his family, a picture was shared on social media that showed Zubair Baloch hugging his younger sister, a ninth-class student who led the demonstration for his brother’s recovery.
Protests over Zareef Umar’s killing
Separately, the BYC said it organised a massive demonstration on Monday (Dec 30) in Quetta against the brutal killing of Zareef Baloch.
Protesters demanded accountability for the increasing human rights violations and justice for the victims of state violence in Balochistan. The BYC has called on all human rights organisations, civil society, and conscious citizens to stand with the victims and demand justice for them.
A wave of anger and grief has gripped Turbat as Zareef was reportedly subjected to brutal torture, with his mutilated body later handed over to his family.
The BYC called for a wheel-jam and shutter-down strike, which has paralyzed Turbat. Roads leading to and from the city have been blocked with barriers and burning tires, leaving transportation at a standstill. Businesses remain shut, and government offices have seen minimal attendance.
For the past two days, Zareef’s family and supporters have staged a sit-in at Shaheed Fida Chowk, demanding justice. Women and children are among the demonstrators, highlighting the widespread impact of state violence on Baloch households.
Dr Mahrang Baloch, the organizer of the BYC, has condemned Zareef’s killing, describing it as part of a larger campaign to silence dissent in the region. “The Baloch people are subjected to systematic violence aimed at breaking their spirit. But we will not be silenced,” she stated.
Solidarity protests have also been reported in nearby towns, where demonstrators are demanding accountability for Zareef’s death and an end to extrajudicial killings in Balochistan.