Three Baloch students studying at the University of Karachi were abducted from their residences by unknown men. One of them was later released, but the other two remain missing.
The three missing students have been identified as 24-year-old Gamshad Baloch, 22-year old Doda Baloch and 25-year-old Kaleem Ullah Noor Baloch. Gamshad and Doda are in the third and second year of their Bachelors degree in philosophy, while Kaleem Ullah is in the final year of his sociology masters degree.
Gamshad and Doda, who shared a residence in the Muskan Chowrangi neighborhood of Karachi were picked up on June 7 around 5:00 AM, whereas Kaleem Ullah, who lived in Johar Chowrangi, was picked up at 2 AM on June 8.
Kaleem Ullah was released by the his abductors at midnight on June 10th, but has not yet given a statement about what he went through.
A classmate of Gamshad, under the condition of anonymity, told The Friday Times that Gamshad was an exemplary student, and due to his abduction, he missed his final exams. The classmate revealed that Gamshad would often secure the highest marks in class, and was very intellectual.
Doda Baloch, according to university associates, had underwent surgery for the expulsion of liver abscess just a week before his abduction. His associates say that his doctors had ordered complete bed rest for him, and voiced their concern over the abduction causing his health to deteriorate.
The families of abducted students conducted a peaceful sit-in outside the Karachi Press Club the day after Gamshed and Doda were abducted. The families again held another protest at the same venue today (Saturday), where they sat peacefully with placards. One person is said to have passed out due to a heatstroke.
So far, the university admin has not acknowledged nor responded to the abduction of three of their students, says the classmate of Gamshed. However, Gamshed’s class has submitted an application signed by all class-fellows to a university coordinator, who they hope will take note.
Are there no better options for the grief stricken parents of abducted Baloch boys other than a “peaceful sit-in”?