Sammi Deen Baloch, a leading Baloch rights activist, has expressed willingness to engage in direct discussions with authoritative figures, including the Pakistani military, to address enforced disappearances and human rights violations in Balochistan. Baloch, who began her activism at nine after her father’s disappearance in 2009, emphasizes the need for dialogue with those capable of effecting change.
Balochistan, bordering Afghanistan and Iran, has faced a prolonged insurgency as groups seek greater autonomy and a fair share of the province’s resources. The Pakistani military maintains a significant presence, conducting operations against insurgents who have recently intensified attacks on military personnel and Chinese nationals involved in regional development projects, such as the Gwadar port.
The region has long been troubled by enforced disappearances, with families alleging abductions by security forces. While officials deny these claims, international organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have highlighted the issue. The military contends that many of the missing individuals have ties to separatist movements.
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), led by Baloch since its inception in 2020, has organized numerous protests and marches, advocating against the surge in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Baloch asserts that meaningful dialogue with empowered entities is essential to resolving these longstanding issues.
This development underscores a potential shift towards peaceful resolution and collaboration between Baloch activists and Pakistani authorities to address the complex challenges in Balochistan.
