A representative image of a rally. Photo: Unsplash
Nine years since Shabir Baloch, the former information secretary of the Baloch Students Organization (Azad), went missing, a seminar and rally were held in Pakistan's Turbat region on Saturday, demanding his release.
During the demonstration, the protesters demanded a speedy recovery of Baloch and an end to enforced disappearances in the region.
According to reports, Baloch was abducted by Pakistani forces on October 4, 2016.
His whereabouts remain unknown even today.
The event was organised on Saturday by Shabir’s family and the Baloch Women Forum.
It began with a rally that passed through various roads and concluded at Shaheed Fida Chowk, where a seminar was held.
The first session featured a panel discussion moderated by Nasreen Baloch and attended by Fauzia Baloch, Seema Baloch, the mother of missing person Israr Baloch, and Advocate Majeed Dashti, reported The Balochistan Post.
During the session, Shabir’s sister, Seema Baloch, described her brother as “not only the breadwinner of our family but also a cheerful, compassionate, and loyal friend.”
She said, “4 October will always be remembered as a cursed day in our lives. Shabir sacrificed his youth for his people and for Balochistan. Even before his disappearance, our house was raided, but he always encouraged us to stay strong.”
Shabir’s wife said she has lived “in torment” for nine years, uncertain whether her husband is alive or dead, reported the news portal.