On the International Day Of The Victims Of Enforced Disappearances (30 August), the Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM) orchestrated a powerful protest rally at the Sea View Beach Club in Clifton, Karachi, rallying for the safe return of missing nationalist activists from Sindh and Balochistan. Under the guidance of central figure Amar Azadi, the rally aimed to draw attention to the ongoing issue of forced disappearances and state-inflicted torture on activists advocating for regional autonomy.
On August 30, JSFM leaders addressed the media, strongly denouncing the rising incidents of forced disappearances. The leaders asserted that these incidents were not only grave violations of human rights but also indicative of a systematic effort to suppress the legitimate aspirations of people in the Sindh and Balochistan regions. The protest rally sought to shed light on the plight of missing individuals and to demand immediate action for their safe recovery.
Calling for global attention, JSFM leaders appealed to international human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the United Nations, to intervene and pressure Pakistani intelligence agencies to take action. Accordingly, the leaders highlighted the significance of international intervention in addressing the pressing issue of enforced disappearances and protecting the rights of those at risk.
Call For Immediate Release Of Victims
In a separate statement, JSFM Chairman Sohail Abro, Vice Chairman Zubair Sindhi, and other leaders condemned the phenomenon of forced disappearances as not only a violation of fundamental human rights but also a form of state-sponsored terrorism. The leaders asserted that these incidents showcased a breach of not only international human rights treaties but also the constitution of Pakistan itself.
The JSFM leaders called for the immediate and unconditional release of missing activists, including Faqir Ijaz Gaho, Sohail Raza Bhatti, Allah Wadhayo Mahar, Naveed Mirani, Aqib Chandio, Naeem Malukani, and Waheed Ghangharu. They stressed that if any activists were implicated in legal matters, they should be presented before national courts in accordance with due process.
At the end, the JSFM leaders announced their determination to expand the scope of their protests. They emphasized their unwavering commitment to achieving justice and securing the safe return of missing activists. The leaders reaffirmed their dedication to utilizing both national and international platforms to draw attention to the dire situation and seek resolution.
The protest rally, organized by the Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement, sent a strong message to the authorities, urging them to address the issue of forced disappearances and uphold the rights and safety of nationalist activists. As the movement gains momentum, it remains to be seen how the government and international community respond to these calls for justice and accountability.