Families Seek Justice in Balochistan

Since August 9, towns across Pakistan's Balochistan region have witnessed a wave of protests honoring the victims of a violent demonstration that occurred on July 28. The protests, primarily in Gwadar, have drawn thousands, including families of those who have suffered from enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Among the attendees is Gulnaz, a mother who has been searching for her sons for years, highlighting the personal tragedies that underpin the broader conflict in the region. Balochistan has a long history of unrest, with five nationalist rebellions since its annexation by Pakistan in 1948. The Pakistani government has responded to calls for autonomy and rights with severe repression, leading to widespread human rights abuses. The United Nations has reported over 10,000 enforced disappearances in the region since 2011, with local organizations estimating the number could be as high as 50,000. The protests have been met with violent crackdowns from security forces. The Baloch National Gathering reported that three demonstrators and a member of the Pakistani army were killed during the July 28 incident, where paramilitary forces opened fire on a convoy of peaceful protesters. This incident has intensified fears of state-sponsored violence against those advocating for Baloch rights. Activists argue that the ongoing repression is a deliberate strategy by the Pakistani authorities to intimidate and delegitimize peaceful dissent. The recent Baloch Raji Muchi protests reflect a continued struggle against what many perceive as punitive measures aimed at silencing voices for justice and autonomy in Balochistan.