Balochistan MPAs walk out against abduction of woman

QUETTA: Members of the Balochistan Assembly staged a protest walkout during a session over the abduction of woman in Khuzdar.

The lawmakers returned to the assembly after the provincial finance minister assured them that the issue would be resolved.

The assembly session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Ghazala Gola, commenced 53 minutes late on Friday. During the session, Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) MPA Agha Umar Ahmadzai raised the matter on a point of order, strongly condemning the abduction. He stated that the woman was kidnapped in Khuzdar after rejecting a marriage proposal, and the affected family had informed tribal elders about the incident. He further alleged that woman was subjected to violence before being forcibly taken away.

"Khuzdar has been blocked since Thursday. How can we expect improvements in the province’s situation when such incidents continue to occur," Ahmadzai questioned. He also urged Chief of Jhalawan Nawab Sanaullah Zehri to take immediate notice of the incident, calling it not only condemnable but also a challenge to societal values.

Former chief minister of Balochistan, Dr Malik Baloch, criticised the administration's silence on the issue, calling it incomprehensible. He warned that the government’s negligence in ensuring citizens' safety raised serious concerns about law and order.

Following the walkout, Provincial Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani assured the protesting lawmakers that the government strongly condemned the incident and was committed to addressing the matter. After his assurance, the legislators returned to the assembly session.

Provincial Minister Mir Sadiq Umrani emphasised that the Khuzdar incident was a serious matter and that the chief minister of Balochistan would be contacted immediately. He further assured that a case would be registered against the culprits.

Meanwhile, Provincial Minister Zahoor Buledi condemned the incident, stating that such acts violate traditional values. He confirmed that the police are actively searching for the perpetrators.

The incident has sparked outrage, with demands for swift action to ensure justice for the victim and her family.

Meanwhile, Quetta-Karachi National Highway remained blocked for the second consecutive day as protests continued against the abduction of a woman in Khuzdar. The victim’s family has vowed to continue their demonstration until she is recovered.

According to details, armed assailants — around a dozen in number — scaled the walls of a house in Shehzad City, a posh area near the N-25 Highway, and forcibly entered the residence of a local citizen. The intruders physically assaulted the family members before abducting the woman at gunpoint.

Following the incident, the victim’s family and supporters blocked the N-25 Highway at two key locations — Jhalawan Sabzi Mandi and Zero Point —bringing traffic to a standstill. The protesters staged a sit-in, demanding the immediate recovery of the woman.

Khuzdar SSP Javed Zehri led multiple rounds of negotiations with the demonstrators, but no breakthrough was achieved. The victim’s family has accused influential individuals of backing the kidnappers, claiming that despite their identification of the suspects, law enforcement has failed to take decisive action. They expressed frustration that two days have passed, yet no progress has been made in securing woman’s release, which has caused immense distress to their family.

Several political and social figures, including Maulana Inayatullah Rodini, Safar Khan Mengal, Rais Bashir Ahmed Mengal, and Dr Huzoor Bakhsh Zehri, visited the protesters to express solidarity. They condemned the incident, calling it horrifying and unacceptable. The leaders urged the government to take swift action to recover the abducted woman and restore peace in Khuzdar.

Meanwhile, local administration and police officials have stated that efforts are underway to ensure woman’s safe return.

Meanwhile, Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta, President, Supreme Court Bar Association demanded of the provincial government and law enforcement agencies to recover the woman who, according to the reports, was forcibly disappeared in District Khuzdar, Baluchistan.

In a statement issued here he said that the incident is a serious violation of women's rights, which are protected by our constitution and numerous laws aimed at ensuring women's safety and protection.

He demanded of the provincial government and law enforcement agencies to take the necessary actions without further delay to locate and recover the abductee.