HRCP’s concern over missing BSO-Azad chairperson

Lahore: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed serious alarm at the disappearance of Baloch Student Organisation-Azad (BSO-Azad) chairman Zahid Baloch who was picked up in Quetta last month and demanded his safe and immediate release.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Commission said: “HRCP is seriously concerned over the case of Zahid Baloch who was picked up in Quetta on March 18 by plainclothesmen believed to be from security agencies. Even more disturbing is his unacknowledged detention for over a month now.

“BSO-Azad has been holding a hunger-strike camp outside the Karachi Press Club for the last 10 days to press for Zahid’s release. HRCP is extremely worried about risks to Zahid’s life and wellbeing in custody and urges the authorities that his detention must be immediately acknowledged and his release ordered. HRCP also demands that he must not be mistreated or tortured in custody.

“We have long advocated that anyone accused of contravening of any law must be tried in a court of law with due process rights and must not be made to disappear. HRCP also thinks it is of vital importance that those who indulge in disappearing people should be tried without delay, again with all due process rights. HRCP also wants to humbly suggest to anyone who wishes to strike at impunity for the perpetrators that it might be useful to record the testimony of several witnesses who were present when Zahid was picked up.”