Missing Persons Crisis Deepens in Balochistan as National Party and BSO Threaten Protest Movement

Quetta, April 29, 2026: Leaders of the National Party and the Baloch Students Organization (BSO) have expressed grave concern over the rising cases of enforced disappearances in Balochistan, demanding the immediate recovery of all missing individuals, including BSO central vice chairman Babal Malik Baloch.
Addressing a joint press conference at the Quetta Press Club, BSO leader Bohair Baloch, National Party Central Secretary General Mir Kabir Ahmed Muhammad Shahi, and other party representatives strongly denounced the alleged disappearance of Babal Malik Baloch, stating that he was reportedly taken into custody a day earlier.
They called upon the authorities to ensure his prompt recovery and to identify and take action against those responsible. The leaders cautioned that failure to address the issue would compel them to launch a province-wide protest movement.
The speakers reiterated their long-standing position, both inside and outside the legislature, that the problems of Balochistan cannot be resolved through coercive measures. They argued that the use of force only intensifies public resentment and worsens instability, which they said is detrimental to both the province and the country.
They further maintained that safeguarding citizens’ rights is the constitutional responsibility of state institutions, but expressed concern that the situation in Balochistan appears to contradict this principle. They also highlighted what they described as an alarming increase in cases involving the disappearance of Baloch youth and women.
Bohair Baloch stated that the BSO has consistently pursued a peaceful and constitutional approach, raising its concerns within legal forums. He added that if any individual is suspected of wrongdoing, they should be presented before a court and tried transparently rather than being subjected to enforced disappearance.
Criticizing the provincial government, the leaders pointed out what they termed a contradiction between legislative discussions on missing persons and the continued occurrence of such incidents on the ground. They demanded the immediate presentation of Babal Malik Baloch and warned of intensified action if their demands were not met.
Mir Kabir Ahmed Muhammad Shahi echoed these concerns, describing the daily incidents of killings and disappearances as highly disturbing. He stressed that any accused person must be dealt with strictly in accordance with constitutional and legal procedures.
BSO leader Aslam Baloch added that Babal Malik Baloch is not an ordinary student but an important office bearer of an organized student body, and his disappearance raises serious questions regarding student politics and democratic norms.
The leaders collectively demanded the immediate recovery of all missing persons and accountability for those responsible, reiterating that continued inaction would leave them with no option but to initiate a protest movement.