Family from Barkhan Demands Immediate Release of 8 Missing Relatives, Threatens Protest

Quetta: Masood, a resident of Barkhan, has appealed to the government to bring the 8 members of his family, who have been forcibly disappeared from Barkhan, into the public eye within two days. Otherwise, he warned, they would stage a protest sit-in, holding the relevant authorities fully responsible for the consequences.

Speaking at a press conference at the Quetta Press Club on Friday, alongside his companions Gul Zadi, Sher Zaman, Saif, the mother of Jahanzaib, and others, Masood condemned the ongoing state brutality in the province and the resurgence of enforced disappearances. He stated that dozens of individuals from Barkhan and surrounding areas, including members of his own family, had gone missing over the past month and during this year.

The 8 missing members of his family include Imam Bakhsh (60), Haji Ahmad Bakhsh, Ghulam Fareed, Ghulam Rasool (both brothers), Abdullah, Muhammad Tahir, Muhammad Akbar, and Naseeb Ullah. Masood emphasized that state institutions had been targeting his family for a long time with repressive measures. He further clarified that his family had no connection with Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim, son of Haji Nizamuddin, who left voluntarily.

Masood’s appeal to the government and state institutions is clear: If his relatives have committed any crime or are involved in any actions, they should be presented in court with proof; otherwise, they should be released. The family members were forcibly disappeared on February 19 and March 8, 2025. Masood urged the government, state institutions, and the Kohlu commander to release his family members.

He also reiterated that his family had no involvement with any subversive activities or organizations. The enforced disappearances of their young people and family members have caused them immense distress. If the relatives are not made public within two days, they will continue their protest until their release, holding all relevant authorities accountable for any consequences.

Masood appealed to human rights organizations to play their part in securing the release of his family. He also expressed his frustration that despite booking a press conference at the Press Club, they were prevented from holding the conference due to instructions from the administration, despite the club being a public institution.