The issue of missing persons has plagued Balochistan for over two decades, causing extreme pain and distress for grieving families. The emotional setback is profound and perhaps irresolvable, as the loss of loved ones is incomprehensible, particularly to those who have never faced such a devastating reality.
Baloch separatist militants exploit this emotional trauma, manipulating the narrative and blaming the state for the disappearances. They claim the state deliberately targets individuals to suppress dissent, using these disappearances to recruit from among the affected families. Similarly, human rights activists use the plight of these families to garner support and increase their influence, albeit without the intent of recruitment. Both groups, however, put immense pressure on the state, urging it to resolve the matter swiftly.
In addition to the emotional trauma, these families also endure severe financial crises, which exacerbate their already dire circumstances and hinder their ability to seek justice and closure for their missing loved ones. This economic vulnerability is a primary loophole that militants exploit, blaming the state for the economic hardship by claiming it deliberately targeted the primary breadwinners and kept families in both emotional and economic distress.
Previous governments have attempted to address this issue through dialogues and commissions aimed at verifying the authenticity of cases. Unfortunately, these efforts often met dead ends or were never implemented. However, the current government has taken serious actions, devising a workable solution to alleviate the economic hardship of the families of missing persons. This plan, approved by the Cabinet, includes providing economic relief and legal assistance for documentation related to passports and national identity cards. It is important to note that this is merely a short-term measure to address the issue.
While efforts are being made to find workable solutions to the dire issue of missing persons, it is imperative to understand the underlying causes of this problem. There is a widespread belief that intelligence agencies, in an attempt to curb dissent, illegally detain individuals. While this may hold some truth, as the absence of a proper legal framework restricts these agencies from lawfully apprehending suspected individuals, it is also true that many young Baloch men join militant groups without informing their families. These families, unaware of the true circumstances, may engage in activism and sometimes even chant anti-state slogans. It is often only after a militant attack that the bodies of their sons, husbands, or brothers are recovered, revealing the truth.
Additionally, many individuals engage in illegal border-crossing activities without informing their families, putting their loved ones in a similar predicament. Personal feuds further complicate the situation, adding layers of complexity to an already challenging issue. Understanding these multifaceted factors is crucial for developing effective and comprehensive solutions to address the problem of missing persons in Balochistan.
Hence, addressing the issue of missing persons in Balochistan requires a multifaceted approach that tackles both the emotional and economic hardships faced by affected families, while also understanding and addressing the underlying causes of the problem. Only through comprehensive and sustained efforts can justice and closure be achieved, leading to a more stable and compassionate society in the region.
