A story that began with the alleged murder of Abdul Salam later involved the alleged abduction of Asma, repeated threats, and the killing of her father; the family calls for protection and a transparent investigation

Khuzdar/Qalat — By Izhar Khan Niazi

The story of a family from Anjeera in Balochistan’s Qalat district is not merely the story of a single murder, an alleged abduction, or one criminal case. It is a story of years of fear, alleged threats, struggle, and a prolonged wait for justice that, according to the family, has transformed their lives forever.

The story began with Abdul Salam, son of Muhammad Umar Mengal, who was described by his family as an intelligent and talented young man. Abdul Salam had enrolled in the Civil Engineering program at the Engineering University Khuzdar. He was engaged to his cousin, Asma Baloch, and was looking forward to his future. However, those hopes soon turned into tragedy, the consequences of which the family says they are still facing today.

Abdul Salam’s Death

On November 13, 2012, Abdul Salam was allegedly taken to Lakorian on the pretext of an errand, where, according to the family, Zohur Jamaldini allegedly killed him.

The family says Abdul Salam’s death did not bring an end to their ordeal. Instead, it marked the beginning of a new and difficult chapter.

According to the family, following Abdul Salam’s death, Zohur Jamaldini expressed a desire to marry Asma and allegedly began pressuring and threatening the family for this purpose.

Amid what the family describes as persistent fear and pressure, they decided to leave their ancestral area and move to Khuzdar. However, according to them, the alleged harassment and threats continued even after their relocation.

Armed Intrusion and the Alleged Abduction of Asma

Then, on the night of February 5, 2025, another incident allegedly shook the family.

According to the family, Zohur Jamaldini, accompanied by armed men, forcibly entered Asma’s home. Family members were allegedly subjected to violence and restrained, while Asma was allegedly taken away against her will without shoes or a shawl.

Following news of Asma’s alleged abduction, protests erupted in Khuzdar. The issue soon extended beyond the family, with various sections of the city raising their voices over the incident.

Roads and markets remained closed, while tribal elders, political leaders, journalists, religious scholars, teachers, students, and civil society representatives demanded Asma’s safe recovery and justice.

On the third day of the protests, two videos of Asma emerged. The family alleged that the videos had been recorded under pressure and coercion.

Later, Asma was handed over to the district administration and returned home.

According to the family, Asma was suffering from severe psychological trauma at the time, but she subsequently provided information regarding the events she said had taken place.

Fear Continued Even After Her Recovery

According to the family, Asma’s recovery did not bring an end to the threats.

They allege that repeated phone calls, messages, and pressure through various individuals continued, particularly concerning a proposed marriage.

The family says they repeatedly submitted written applications to the local administration and other relevant authorities, informing them of the situation and requesting protection.

However, according to the family, they did not receive the effective protection they believed was necessary.

Another tragic chapter then unfolded.

In December 2025, Asma’s maternal uncle was also killed. The family maintains that the incident occurred after the alleged rejection of the marriage proposal.

With one family member allegedly being targeted after another, the family says the atmosphere of fear became even more intense.

The Shadow of Threats

According to the family, Asma’s father was also subjected to repeated threats.

They claim that he was even told to prepare shrouds for his sons.

Under these circumstances, the family says it repeatedly approached the relevant authorities through written applications. According to them, these complaints detailed the alleged threats, risks, and concerns regarding the safety of family members.

Despite these applications, the family maintains that effective and decisive action was not taken.

The family has also alleged that certain political and influential figures provided alleged support or protection to the accused. These allegations, however, require independent verification, and the individuals named by the family should be given an opportunity to present their position.

August 4, 2026: Another Funeral

Then, on August 4, 2026, another tragedy struck the family.

According to the family, Asma’s father was shot dead by Zohur Jamaldini and three other individuals while he was on his way to offer the Asr prayer.

The man, who had already lost his son and was dealing with the alleged abduction of his daughter and continuing threats to his family, was himself allegedly targeted in a shooting.

According to the family, FIRs have been registered concerning the alleged abduction and subsequent killings. However, they say the principal accused have yet to be arrested.

The case now raises questions not only for Asma’s family but also about the enforcement of law.

If FIRs have been registered, why has there allegedly been a delay in arresting the nominated suspects? And how long must a family continue to seek protection and justice before effective action is taken?

Justice Is More Than the Registration of an FIR

The story of Asma’s family raises several fundamental questions.

If a family repeatedly submits written complaints about alleged threats, if a case concerning an alleged abduction is registered, and if subsequent killings take place while the principal suspects allegedly remain at large, where does the responsibility of state institutions begin and where does it end?

The family demands that the incidents should not be treated as isolated events but investigated as part of a connected sequence.

They are calling for transparent, impartial, and comprehensive investigations into the alleged murder of Abdul Salam, the alleged abduction of Asma, the threats reportedly made against the family, the killing of Asma’s maternal uncle, and the August 4 killing of her father.

According to the family, registering FIRs alone is not enough. They say investigations must be taken to their logical conclusion and those responsible must be brought before the law.

Asma Is Still Waiting for Justice

A young man who dreamed of becoming a civil engineer lost his life.

A young woman whose life was supposed to move forward alongside her own aspirations and those of her family was allegedly abducted and, after her recovery, was reportedly left suffering severe psychological trauma.

Another member of the family was subsequently killed.

Finally, on August 4, 2026, her father was allegedly shot dead.

This is not merely the story of one family. It is also a reflection of a broader question: must a citizen repeatedly plead for protection for themselves and their family, or should the state reach their doorstep and ensure their safety before tragedy strikes?

Asma’s family has appealed to the government, law-enforcement agencies, and the judiciary to ensure transparent and impartial investigations into all the incidents. They have demanded that those allegedly involved be arrested in accordance with the law and presented before the courts.

The family has also called for any alleged interference by influential individuals to be investigated and for immediate and effective security to be provided to the remaining family members.

They have appealed to the people of Pakistan, human rights organizations, and the international community to hear their concerns and highlight their demand for justice and protection.

Twelve years ago, this story began with the death of a young man.

It has still not ended.

The question now is whether the next chapter will be written by justice—or by another funeral.