Pakistan’s Missing Persons Crisis: A Nation’s Struggle Amidst Global Conflict – OpEd
By Awais Abbasi
In the wake of the global war on terror, Pakistan has found itself grappling with an issue that strikes at the heart of its society: the crisis of missing persons. Since the onset of this international conflict, thousands of Pakistanis have disappeared, leaving their families in anguish and uncertainty. While the world’s attention has often been focused on the broader geopolitical consequences of the war on terror, the impact on Pakistan—its state, its security institutions, and its social fabric—has been profound and deeply personal.
The war on terror, which has spanned over two decades, has arguably affected Pakistan more than any other country. It has cost the nation over 85,000 lives, both civilians and military personnel, and has left countless families searching for missing loved ones. Many of these missing individuals are reported to have been involved in various capacities: some were fighting against the state as part of terrorist groups, others fled to neighboring countries to join the fight against U.S. and NATO forces, and still others went into self-imposed exile, fearing arrest by law enforcement agencies.
The complexity of the missing persons issue is compounded by the involvement of hostile foreign intelligence networks and the manipulation of individuals through religious and sub-nationalist sentiments. Many of those listed as missing are believed to have been recruited by these networks, lured into dangerous activities with promises of money or ideological fulfillment, only to vanish without a trace. For families left behind, the pain is compounded by accusations—often without evidence—against Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies, which are frequently blamed for these disappearances.
While it is true that in some cases, law enforcement agencies have acknowledged holding certain individuals in custody due to valid suspicions, the vast majority of accusations lack solid proof. In fact, many missing persons have eventually resurfaced, either returning from self-imposed hiding or reappearing after being involved in activities abroad. According to data from the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (CoIoED), 78% of the reported cases have been resolved, a significant achievement in a situation fraught with challenges. However, 2,270 cases remain unresolved, with efforts ongoing to trace these individuals.
In response to the financial hardships faced by the families of missing persons, the Government of Pakistan has introduced a compensation package, offering Rs. 2.5 million to affected families. This initiative, part of the broader ‘National Consensus and Legal Resolution (NCLR) of Missing Persons,’ aims to provide financial support while the government continues its efforts to locate the missing. It is a gesture of empathy and recognition of the suffering these families endure, though it is made clear that this compensation does not imply any admission of responsibility by the state.
The government’s approach reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding the rights and security of all Pakistani citizens. The state, often referred to as a mother to its people, has a sacred duty to protect life and ensure justice. The ongoing resolution of missing persons cases, coupled with the financial support for affected families, represents a significant step towards fulfilling this duty.
However, the government’s efforts are not without challenges. The issue of missing persons is often exploited by hostile forces and social media outlets seeking to destabilize the country. It is crucial that the families of missing persons are not misled by these actors, and that the government’s initiatives are communicated clearly and effectively.
As Pakistan continues to navigate the aftermath of the global war on terror, the resolution of the missing persons crisis remains a top priority. With 78% of cases resolved and ongoing efforts to address the remaining ones, the government is working towards a future where no family has to suffer the pain of not knowing the fate of a loved one. The launch of the National Consensus & Legal Resolution on Missing Persons marks a pivotal moment in this journey, as Pakistan strives to heal the wounds inflicted by decades of conflict and ensure the security and sanctity of life for all its citizens.
