The Qambarani family is among the countless victims of enforced disappearances in Balochistan, a land plagued by decades of Pakistani military oppression. Dozens of Qambarani intellectuals, poets, activists and students have been abducted by Pakistani forces. Some have returned. Some were never found. And others came back only as mutilated corpses. This is not just a story; it is a collective cry for justice.
Today I am highlighting the horrifying ordeal of one family, whose suffering symbolizes the deep pain endured by countless Baloch families. Their story is not fiction, it is a raw truth unfolding in real time. Each day is a living hell for them. Each night is a relentless wait. And yet, they survive, clinging to the hope that their loved ones might return.
The Qambarani family has endured an unending series of abductions. Those outside the prisons rally and protest for justice, while those inside are tortured in darkness, no court, no trial, no sun. The abduction of a single family member means the entire family is plunged into grief, fear and unimaginable pain. It is among the gravest crimes when someone is taken without explanation and the family is left to ask, where are they? Are they alive or dead?
As a human and activist, I have seen the Qambarani family on the streets for years, raising their voices against injustice. Haseeba Qambarani is one of them. She has dedicated her life to seeking justice, knocking on every door in Pakistan for answers. Half her life has been spent in protest camps of the Baloch Missing Persons Movement, yet justice continues to elude her.
The Abductions Begin
The Qambarani family’s torment began in 2009.
Professor Nadir Qambarani was a Baloch intellectual who wrote poetry in the Brahvi language and dedicated his entire life to the Baloch nation. His contributions to the Baloch cause are highly appreciated and truly remarkable. However, his family has only received, in return, collective punishment, dead bodies and enforced disappearances.
His nephew, Chakar Khan Qambarani, was abducted in June 2009. That day marked the beginning of an endless nightmare for the family.
In 2011 Molana Qabeer Qambarani, the brother of Nadir was martyred in a targeted killing.
Two years later, in 2013, Najeebullah Qambarani, Nadir’s cousin, was abducted. He was missing for 13 months before being released.
The violence escalated in 2015 when Pakistani forces launched a massive operation. On 7th June Gazin Qambarani, brother of Chakar Khan and nephew of Nadir was abducted. Just a week later, on 12th July Salman Qambarani, Nadir’s grandson was also abducted along with 20 others, including Ayaz Qambarani and Jameel Sarparah, from Quetta.
In 2016, Nasir Qambarani, Nadir’s nephew was abducted and spent three years in Pakistani torture cells before being released in 2018. That same year in May, Jahanzaib Baloch was also abducted, his whereabouts remain unknown.
Then came the most devastating blow.
In August 2016, the mutilated bodies of Gazin and Salman Qambarani were found. Pakistani authorities claimed they were killed in an “encounter,” a common tactic to cover up extrajudicial killings. These young men, who were once the family’s hope, returned not with smiles,but in body bags. Thousands of dreams were shattered.
The Suffering Continues
Despite this horror, the abductions did not stop. In 2020, Ehsan Qambarani, Salman’s brother and Nadir’s grandson along with Hisbullah Qambarani, Nadir’s cousin, were abducted. Both were released after spending 18 months in torture cells.
In 2025, the chain of tragedy worsened:
Jawad Qambarani, grandson of Nadir, was abducted.
On the same day, Ibrar Qambarani was also abducted but was later released.
On 20th February 2025, Bilal Ahmed and Ali Asghar were abducted.
On 3th March Zia Qambarani, cousin of Nadir, was taken.
On 17th March Nasir Qambarani was abducted
Just two days later, on 19th March Abdul Rehman, Nadir’s nephew and the brother of a martyred Fateh Qambarani was abducted but later released on 25th March.
On 21st March, during a peaceful demonstration in Quetta where three Baloch Yakjahti Committee (BYC) activists were killed.
Baloch human rights activist Mahzaib Qambarani who is actively struggling against the Baloch genocide was present and was abducted and sent to Huddah Jail, where BYC leader Dr. Mahrang Baloch is also being detained.
Jawad Qambarani
Ibrar Qambarani
Ali Asghar
Nasir Qambarani
Abdul Rehman
Mahzaib Baloch
Waja Ghaffar Qambarani
A Story Shared by Thousands
This is not just the story of the Qambarani family. It is the story of every Baloch family. Every home in Balochistan has witnessed disappearances, mourned over mutilated bodies, or suffered under the silence of the unknown.
The pain of not knowing whether a loved one is alive or dead is unbearable. Their wives, sisters, and fiancées do not know if they are widows or still waiting for someone who might never return.
This is a violation not just of law but of humanity. If someone is guilty of a crime, there are courts. There is a legal process. But abducting people and keeping them in hidden torture cells without charge, trial, or legal recourse is a grave human rights violation.
Today, even women are no longer safe. Pakistan’s military has crossed every limit of cruelty and lawlessness. Baloch survival has become a question mark for them in their own land. Anyone who dares to speak up is abducted, tortured, and killed, their bodies discarded like waste.
A Call to the World
As a human and a writer, I appeal to the global community, especially organizations like the United Nations, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and all human rights defenders to pressure Pakistan and send factfinding missions to Balochistan.
Investigate the cases of enforced disappearances.
Hold those accountable who are committing crimes against humanity.
The world must have to act and Baloch lives matter. Human rights cannot have borders. And justice delayed in Balochistan is justice denied to us all.
