With the passing of Mama Qadeer Baloch, the Baloch nation has been deprived of a remarkable human being who dedicated his entire life to the recovery of victims of enforced disappearances.
He became part of the movement and organization Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) after joining the protests of families of the forcibly disappeared in his relentless struggle to recover his son, Shaheed Jalil Reki. His son was abducted in 2009 and later killed in custody by the Pakistan Army during an enforced disappearance. Despite this immense personal tragedy, Mama Qadeer never withdrew from the movement for the recovery of the forcibly disappeared. Instead, he emerged as one of its strongest and most unwavering voices.
He played a pivotal role in bringing the issue of enforced disappearances in Balochistan to international attention and remained steadfast in his commitment at all times.
For 16 consecutive years, Mama Qadeer protested without interruption. Despite his advanced age, declining health, and serious security threats, he was present daily at the protest camp for the forcibly disappeared. He was not only a symbol of resistance for his own nation but also a living example of continuous struggle for other oppressed nations.
For the families of thousands of forcibly disappeared persons, he was a beacon of hope. His death has created a void that will be extremely difficult to fill. The true way to honor and pay tribute to Mama Qadeer is to continue his mission a responsibility we hope his companions and followers will uphold.
Mama Qadeer also led a 2,000-kilometer long march from Shaal to Islamabad, drawing global attention to the grave humanitarian crisis of enforced disappearances in Balochistan. His services to humanity and to the Baloch nation will always be remembered.
Qazi Dad Rehan is a Spokesperson for the Baloch National Movement (BNM)
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