The Supreme Court resumed hearing petitions against enforced disappearances, while a shutterdown strike was observed in several cities of Balochistan against “state oppression”. The three-member SC bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, took up the case. Among the petitioners was Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, who emphasized the continuing unlawful practice of enforced disappearances. The top judge reiterated the case’s public importance and expressed the court’s intention to resolve it for good, provided that all accepted responsibility. Ahsan’s counsel, Shoaib Shaheen, was requested to present concise points on potential legal actions regarding enforced disappearances. During the proceedings, previous judgments on the matter in court were discussed. The CJP questioned the connection of the case to the Faizabad sit-in verdict but emphasized the fundamental right to protest upheld by the judgement. The lawyer mentioned the abduction of journalist Matiullah Jan, prompting the CJP to inquire about the government’s acceptance of responsibility at that time. Shaheen mentioned other abducted individuals and argued for their cases, leading the CJP to caution against becoming their spokesperson and making the case political. Defence of Human Rights Chairperson Amina Masood Janjua recounted her husband’s enforced disappearance and urged the court to take up her case again. The CJP directed the Attorney General for Pakistan to present a report on the matter and reiterated the need for a date-wise and name-wise list of missing persons to be presented in court. He also sought a statement on behalf of the Federal Government to ensure no person would be picked up illegally without due process of law. Meanwhile, photos shared by the Balochistan Yakjehti Committee showed deserted streets as businesses remained closed in several areas due to the shutterdown strike. The protesters, camping outside the National Press Club in Islamabad, called for a nationwide strike after their demands were not met. They expressed concern over potential police crackdown and raised issues of lack of facilities in the camp.