The Tragic Tale of an Eight-Year-Long Wait: The Enforced Disappearance of Shabir Baloch

Editorial

In the long struggle for Baloch independence, the tale of enforced disappearances haunts thousands of families. Among these is the heart-wrenching story of Shabir Baloch, a young political student leader who disappeared eight years ago. His story mirrors the plight of many Baloch families enduring the anguish of loved ones forcibly taken, never to be heard from again.

A Promising Beginning

Shabir Baloch hailed from Awaran, a district in Balochistan that, while underdeveloped in terms of infrastructure, has long been fertile ground for knowledge and intellectual thought. In 2009, Shabir began his political journey with the Baloch Students Organization (BSO) Azad, a Baloch Students organization dedicated to the independence of the Baloch people. Shabir quickly distinguished himself as a talented, hardworking, and committed individual. His dedication led him to be elected president of BSO Azad’s Awaran zone in 2013.

Despite facing constant Pakistani state oppression and military crackdowns, Shabir kept the organization active in Awaran, even expanding its influence. His abilities did not go unnoticed, and in 2015, he was elected a central committee member of BSO Azad, eventually serving as its central information secretary. Shabir’s contributions were instrumental in spreading the organization’s presence across Balochistan.

The Tragic Disappearance

Shabir Baloch’s disappearance occurred on the morning of October 4, 2016 at 9:00am, in Gowarkop, Kech. At the time, Shabir was with his wife, Zarina Baloch, attending to organizational matters. That day, Pakistani forces launched a large-scale military operation in the area, resulting in several enforced disappearances, including Shabir’s. Since then, eight long years have passed, yet there has been no news of his whereabouts—he remains one of the many forcibly disappeared Baloch individuals whose families await answers.

Enforced Disappearances as a Tool of Repression

For the Pakistani state, enforced disappearances have become an effective tool in attempting to quell the Baloch independence movement. However, rather than stifling the movement, these acts have only strengthened the resolve of the Baloch people to continue their struggle for freedom. Shabir’s family, along with BSO, has tirelessly protested at various national and international platforms, calling for his safe return and seeking justice. Soon after his disappearance, Shabir’s family set up a hunger strike camp in Karachi, and on October 16, 2016, a protest was held in Toronto, Canada.

The Family’s Struggle

Shabir Baloch’s family, particularly his sister Seema and wife Zarina, have remained active in the pursuit of his release. They have filed his case with Pakistan’s so-called Commission on Missing Persons and taken it to the courts, but the family remains in agony, suffering the pain and uncertainty that comes with not knowing the fate of a loved one. Zarina, in a moment of profound grief, once tearfully expressed, “At least tell me whether I am a wife or a widow.”

Instead of offering any resolution, Pakistani authorities has repeatedly harassed Shabir’s family, threatening them to stay silent. During one protest demanding his release, the Karachi police even arrested Shabir’s relatives. Yet, as the eight-year mark of Shabir’s disappearance approaches, his family stands strong, unwilling to give up. Only those who have endured the pain of enforced disappearances can fully understand the depth of this suffering.

Campaign for Justice

As the anniversary of his disappearance approaches, Shabir’s family has announced a renewed campaign under the hashtag #SaveShabirBaloch, hoping to bring international attention to his plight and press for his release.

Shabir Baloch was a peaceful student activist who believed in the fundamental rights of his people. His disappearance, along with thousands of others, reveals the brutal reality faced by many Baloch families, trapped in a seemingly endless cycle of grief and injustice.

A Leader’s Legacy

Despite the horrific circumstances of his disappearance, Shabir Baloch’s spirit lives on. His bravery in the face of state repression, his dedication to the Baloch cause, and his leadership continue to inspire. He once said, “In one way or another, we are all part of this war,” a statement that resonates deeply with his comrades.

Though Shabir Baloch may no longer be physically present with us, his philosophy, courage, and commitment guide us to continue the struggle for Baloch independence. His family and fellow activists remain steadfast in their efforts, emboldened by his teachings, to keep pushing forward in the fight for justice and the independence of the Baloch people.