Karachi March Amplifies Call for Justice on International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances

Hundreds gathered in Karachi on August 30 to mark the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. The demonstrators demanded justice for the victims, highlighting the ongoing issue in Pakistan and the need for legal due process. The march saw wide participation and growing public support.

Hundreds of demonstrators assembled in Karachi on August 30, 2024, commemorating the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. The three-kilometre march from Teen Talwar to the Karachi Press Club (KPC) was marked by a diverse group united in their pursuit of justice, Dawn News reported. Banners were held high and slogans chanted to draw attention to the persistent issue of enforced disappearances in Pakistan, which has left numerous families in search of answers for years.

This observance dates back to December 21, 2010, when the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution alarmed by the global rise in enforced disappearances. This led to August 30 being designated as the International Day for these victims, beginning in 2011. The resolution also welcomed the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, providing a legal framework to tackle this issue.

Enforced disappearances remain a critical issue in Pakistan, especially in regions like Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh. The Karachi march underscored the widespread nature of the issue, as people from various ethnic backgrounds came together demanding accountability. Academic and activist Nida Kirmani stressed the rarity of such unity in Pakistan.

The protest included seasoned activists and new faces united by a common cause. Leading the march was 86-year-old Usman Baloch, a veteran labour leader, whose spirit was lifted by the enthusiasm of young participants, including girls as young as 12. These young activists, inspired by figures like Sammi Deen Baloch and Dr. Mahrang Baloch, are becoming symbols of the movement, leading rallies nationwide, Dawn News reported.

Aspirations for legal due process were among the march's key messages. Activists urged authorities to present accused individuals before the courts rather than resorting to enforced disappearances. Long-time activist Elahi Bux Bikik from Sindh poignantly pleaded for due process, stating, "If our loved ones have done anything wrong, there is the law. You can give them the death penalty if that's what is meted out, but at least give us back their bodies."

This call for legal accountability was echoed by Qazi Khizer, vice-president of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)'s Sindh Chapter. Numerous civic organizations, including the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, Baloch Missing Persons, Sindh Sujag Forum, Voice of Sindhi Missing Persons, and Voice of Shia Missing Persons, participated, representing the affected communities in the struggle to end enforced disappearances in Pakistan.

The emotional impact of enforced disappearances was driven home by speeches from activists, including 16-year-old Sadaf Ameer, whose father has been missing for a decade. Her poignant speech highlighted the pain and desperation of families. "Today is a day of serious problems for jabri gumshuda in Balochistan," she remarked, urging the public to stand in solidarity with victims and their families.

The Karachi march, with participation more than tripling compared to the previous year, signifies the growing momentum of the movement against enforced disappearances in Pakistan, Dawn reported. As marchers reached the Karachi Press Club, they were met with applause and chants, showcasing increasing public support. Once a regional struggle, the movement is gaining national attention with activists like Sammi Deen Baloch leading the charge.

In the face of ongoing challenges, the Karachi march's participants remain resolute. Their message was unequivocal: enforced disappearances must cease, and justice must prevail. The march serves as a potent reminder of the resilience and unwavering commitment of those affected, reinforcing their hope that one day the disappeared will return, and perpetrators will be held accountable. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)