ISLAMABAD: The families of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders and victims of enforced disappearances continued their peaceful sit-in outside the Islamabad Press Club for a second consecutive day on Thursday, demanding justice for their missing loved ones.

The protest, led largely by women and children, began on July 16 after the group travelled from Balochistan to the capital of Pakistan. Protestors have been denied basic shelter despite Islamabad experiencing continuous rainfall. Authorities have refused permission to erect tents, leaving participants exposed to the elements on rain-soaked streets.

Among the demonstrators are two 10-year-old girls, Seerat Marri Baloch and Masooma Baloch, whose fathers—Mehr Gul Marri and Jhanzaib—were forcibly disappeared around a decade ago.

“This is the age we should be in school,” Masooma told reporters. “But we are protesting on the streets for our fathers.” The girls demanded the release of their fathers, Dr. Mahrang Baloch, her detained colleague, and all other missing persons.

The Islamabad administration has come under criticism for deploying heavy police presence and allegedly harassing female protestors.

Rights activists have called the state’s response a violation of fundamental civil liberties, including the right to peaceful assembly.

In a parallel development, the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) continued its long-running protest in front of the Quetta Press Club, now in its 5,882nd day. Led by executive committee member Niaz Mohammad Nechari, the VBMP camp persists in demanding justice for thousands of forcibly disappeared Baloch individuals.

VBMP Chairman Nasrullah Baloch issued a statement condemning the Islamabad authorities’ actions, calling the reported harassment of protestors—particularly women—a blatant violation of basic civil rights.

He urged the federal government to engage in meaningful dialogue and ensure the unconditional release of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, detained BYC leaders, and all disappeared persons.

Despite facing severe weather and official pressure, the protestors in Islamabad remain resolute, vowing to continue their sit-in until their demands are addressed.