At a standstill

Balochistan, a province perpetually battling neglect and unrest, found itself paralysed once again on Monday. A province-wide wheel-jam strike, spurred by the abduction of a 10-year-old boy in Quetta, reflects the broader anguish of a society that has endured decades of unresolved abduction cases. The voices raised for this young victim echo the cries of countless families of missing persons waiting in vain for their loved ones to return.

The strike has brought life to a standstill in the province. Roads and railways linking Balochistan to the rest of Pakistan are blocked. Schools, businesses and public transport have halted operations. Citizens have come out in droves to protest against systemic failure and poor governance, particularly criticising the law enforcement agencies for their failure in safe recovery of the child despite the passage of 10 days. Political leaders and civil society groups also joined the chorus of condemnation, urging the government to take meaningful steps to restore public confidence in law enforcement.

This crisis demands more than just reactive measures. Law enforcement agencies must be modernised with advanced tools and specialised training for dealing with child abductions. A proactive strategy, including a centralised database for missing children and streamlined interprovincial coordination, is essential. Furthermore, stricter laws with swift judicial processes are needed to deter criminals effectively. Equally critical is the role of community engagement. Public awareness campaigns can empower parents and children to adopt preventive measures, while neighbourhood watch initiatives can improve collective vigilance.

At the policy level, the province must prioritise child protection as an imperative, channeling resources to ensure a robust policy framework that leaves no room for negligence.