Concern Grows Over Cases of Missing Baloch Women

QUETTA: Families of missing Baloch women have expressed deep concern over the rising number of disappearances, calling on authorities to ensure their immediate trace and safe recovery. The issue resurfaced on Tuesday as relatives of missing persons staged a demonstration, urging the government and human rights bodies to intervene more effectively.

Holding photographs of their loved ones, the protestors reiterated that enforced disappearances continue to inflict “unbearable psychological and emotional trauma” on families, particularly when women are involved. They said that while several committees and commissions have been established over the years, progress on cases remains slow, inconsistent and often inconclusive.

Human rights activists have also raised alarms, saying the disappearance of women carries heightened social repercussions in a conservative society such as Balochistan, where families face stigma, fear and prolonged uncertainty. They argue that the state has a greater responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in investigations involving women, given their increased vulnerability and the broader impact on communities.

The concerns intensified on Tuesday after Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) Chairman Nasrullah Baloch accused law enforcement agencies of detaining Baloch women activists without due process. Speaking at a press conference alongside VBMP leader Hooran Baloch, he claimed that Mahjabeen Baloch, a University of Balochistan student from Basima, has been missing for the past six months after being taken into custody from Quetta Civil Hospital in May. He said she has not been produced in any court, nor has her family received any information about her condition or location.

Mr Nasrullah also alleged that security forces raided a house in Hub Chowki a few days ago and took into custody another woman, Nasreen Baloch, the daughter of Dilawar and a resident of Tirtaj. She too was reportedly shifted to an undisclosed location, and her family has been left without any update on her whereabouts. “Their families are in severe mental distress. We are raising these cases because the silence of authorities is deepening the suffering,” he said.

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Rights groups have urged federal and provincial authorities to expedite investigations and publish clear, public updates on such cases. They have also called for independent monitoring mechanisms to prevent disappearances and ensure compliance with constitutional safeguards.

As concerns mount, families vowed to continue peaceful demonstrations until their relatives are safely returned. “We just want answers,” one family member said. “We want our daughters, sisters and mothers back.”

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