Women in Balochistan seek answers for missing relatives

Women in Balochistan, Pakistan, are demanding answers about their missing family members. Many have taken to searching morgues for loved ones who disappeared over the years. Saira Baloch first entered a morgue at the age of 15. She was looking for her brother, a police officer who went missing while in police custody. The sight of tortured bodies was shocking, but Saira was relieved when the first body was not her brother. Even after seven years, she continues to search, visiting morgues in hope of finding him. Activists estimate that thousands of people in Balochistan have disappeared over the last two decades. They say these men were taken by security forces during operations against insurgents. The Pakistani government denies these claims, arguing that many of the missing have joined separatist groups. Many of the women searching for their loved ones attend protests. They hold pictures of the men they have lost, demanding justice. Saira protests after her attempts to get answers from authorities failed. Her brother, Muhammad, was arrested while having a picnic with friends, but the government labeled him a terrorist. Balochistan is known for its rich resources, but it remains underdeveloped. Access is often restricted, and many residents feel trapped. While the government assures those in power are working to address the issue of disappearances, families like Saira’s continue to search for their loved ones. Some women like Jannat Bibi search for sons they lost years ago. Despite her limited means, she persists in seeking answers. Mahrang Baloch is another woman leading the fight against enforced disappearances; her father and brother were both taken by security forces. She now organizes protests despite facing threats. Children also feel the impact of these disappearances. Ten-year-old Masooma carries her father's photo everywhere, still hoping he will return. She participates in protests, chanting alongside others searching for their lost loved ones. These women and children represent just a fraction of the pain felt in Balochistan. They struggle against a system they say perpetuates fear and violence, while they demand the right to live freely and find their missing family members.