The families of the ‘disappeared’ in Pakistan are living with constant uncertainty and agony. They march in protests, petition the courts, and stage rallies, all in the hopes of finding answers about their missing loved ones. However, their efforts are often met with apathy and indifference.
Sammi Deen Baloch, whose father disappeared when she was just 10 years old, has been tirelessly campaigning for his return for years. She joins many others who have dedicated their lives to seeking the fate of their missing family members. These families navigate a legal and political labyrinth in their search for answers, only to end up back where they started, without the closure they so desperately seek.
For these families, death is not the worst tragedy they face; it is the ongoing pain and uncertainty of not knowing the fate of their loved ones. They are left with a void that can never be filled, and the anguish they feel affects not only their immediate family but the entire nation.
The issue of enforced disappearances is a national concern, one that affects Baloch, Sindhi, and Pakhtun families alike. Fauzia Baloch, whose brother went missing, laments the lack of justice and support from authorities. When they seek help from the police, they often face indifference and are denied even basic legal rights. Pakistan has not yet acceded to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, leaving families without legal protection.
Various committees and bills have been introduced, but the response from the state has been inadequate. Families are still waiting for answers, trapped in a never-ending cycle of lies and false hopes. They feel like second-class citizens, denied their rights and treated with contempt by the very country they call home.
Renowned artist and activist Sheema Kermani expresses solidarity with the victims of enforced disappearances, particularly women and children. Through her art, she seeks to raise awareness and amplify their voices of protest. However, she too feels helpless in the face of such suffering.
The tragic reality of the ‘disappeared’ and the pain endured by their families is a stark reminder of the injustices present in society. The plight of these families needs urgent attention, and it is the responsibility of the government and the international community to address this humanitarian crisis and provide answers and justice to those who have been left behind.
Photo credit: Protesters gather outside Karachi’s Frere Hall on August 30, to mark the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.