Chairman of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), Dr Naseem Baloch, has condemned Pakistan over the 17-year disappearance of senior BNM leader Dr Deen Mohammad Baloch, calling the case a symbol of the plight of missing persons in Balochistan. In a statement posted on X, Dr Naseem Baloch said, "Today, June 28, marks seventeen years since the enforced disappearance of Dr Deen Mohammad Baloch." He described the period as "unbearable" for the family, noting that for nearly two decades, loved ones have lived with uncertainty, pain, and denial of the basic right to know his fate.
Daughter's Courageous Struggle
Dr Naseem Baloch highlighted the efforts of Dr Deen Mohammad's daughter, Sammi Deen Baloch, who has dedicated herself to the peaceful struggle for her father's recovery and all forcibly disappeared persons. He alleged that instead of receiving justice, she faces threats and intimidation aimed at forcing her to abandon her human rights work and campaign for her father's return. According to Dr Naseem Baloch, this reflects a broader pattern of human rights violations in Pakistan, where those seeking information about missing relatives or raising concerns over alleged abuses face intimidation rather than justice.
Pattern of Intimidation and Denial
Dr Naseem Baloch further stated, "This once again demonstrates a harsh reality: in Pakistan, human rights, justice, and democracy remain absent for those who challenge state abuses." He added that demanding information about a disappeared family member is treated as a crime, and human rights defenders are threatened for speaking out. The BNM chairman explained that these experiences have shaped the organization's political outlook, asserting that the Baloch people cannot secure their fundamental rights, dignity, and freedom under Pakistani occupation.
Commitment to Peaceful Struggle
Reaffirming the group's stand, Dr Naseem Baloch concluded, "We believe that truth and justice ultimately prevail. We remain committed to our peaceful struggle until our aspirations are realized." The statement comes as the disappearance of Dr Deen Mohammad continues to draw international attention to human rights issues in Balochistan. The BNM has long advocated for the rights of the Baloch people and has been critical of the Pakistani government's handling of missing persons cases.
