Balochistan's cry of pain exposes Pakistan's unending tragedy of enforced disappearances
Hague, January 22
Haseeba Qambrani, a victim of enforced disappearances in Balochistan, described her life as fractured by loss, fear and unanswered questions, an existence shaped by Pakistan's long-standing crisis of enforced disappearances.
"I don't know where to start or where to end," she said. She fears her child may be taken away and said a child is already missing. In another incident, a body was found.
In a video shared on X, she stated that her brothers, Asan Qambrani and Rizwullah Qambrani, were taken away on February 14, 2020. Since then, she has had no information about their whereabouts.
An FIR was filed, but like thousands of similar cases across the country, it has led nowhere. "I don't know where they are," she stated.
One brother was later found dead. Another, Rizwullah, was a student at Princeton University, yet even education and international exposure could not shield him from disappearance.
"The government is taking him away," she says, without accusation, but with devastating clarity.
Haseeba spoke of fear that keeps her indoors, of a life without celebrations and of families that now only mourn. She talked about children like 11-year-old Zakir Jan, reminding listeners that every disappearance creates multiple victims--mothers, sisters and children forced into lifelong waiting and despair.
"We do not feed ourselves. We raise our brothers. We don't raise ourselves," she says, capturing how survival has replaced living, with horrifying incidents occurring almost every day.
Her statement has resurfaced at a time when her brother Hassan Qambrani has once again been taken away, despite being released earlier after public pressure.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Tragic, but not surprising. For years we've heard about the situation in Balochistan. The world needs to hold Pakistan accountable. When a country cannot protect its own citizens, especially its brightest minds, it speaks volumes about its governance.
"We do not feed ourselves. We raise our brothers." This line hit me hard. It captures the devastation perfectly. The trauma passes through generations. This isn't just politics, it's about basic humanity. Hope the international community takes serious note.
As an outsider, it's shocking to read. A Princeton student disappearing? It's 2024. How can this happen? The FIR leading nowhere is the most frustrating part. Where is the rule of law? My thoughts are with all the families waiting for answers.
While the situation is undeniably tragic, we must also be careful. Media narratives can sometimes be one-sided. Not defending anyone, but a balanced view is important. The solution lies within Pakistan, through dialogue and strong institutions. Hope peace prevails.
The fear she describes—of being indoors, no celebrations—is the definition of a broken society. Children growing up in this shadow... it's unbearable to think about. The cycle of violence needs to stop. The world cannot look away. #StandWithBalochistan
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