Qaseem Shah, News Desk:
Quetta – A wave of grief swept through Quetta as thousands gathered at the city’s Hockey Ground to attend the funeral of Musawir Khan, the young child who was abducted and brutally murdered after months in captivity. The heartbreaking incident has left the city in mourning and raised fresh questions about public safety and law enforcement in Balochistan.
The funeral saw an outpouring of sorrow, with people from all walks of life—community members, political leaders, and civil society—joining the bereaved family to offer prayers and support. The child’s body, wrapped in a white shroud, was carried into the ground amid scenes of intense emotion and sorrow.
Strict security measures were enforced by the district administration to ensure the peaceful conduct of the funeral, given the scale of the public gathering. Representatives from nearly all major political parties were present, reflecting the widespread anger and grief over the killing.
Musawir Khan, a resident of Multani Mohalla in Quetta, was reportedly abducted on November 15, 2024. According to Deputy Inspector General of Police, the child was held hostage for nearly seven months. The kidnappers had demanded ransom, but no meaningful breakthrough was achieved during that time. Tragically, his body was discovered three days ago in a remote area of Mastung district. DNA testing later confirmed the identity of the victim.
The child’s uncle, Haji Malang, addressed the crowd at the funeral and broke down while speaking. “All we received from the authorities was his body,” he said with tears in his eyes. “They failed to bring him back alive.” His emotional words echoed the frustration and pain felt by many in the crowd who questioned the effectiveness of the state’s response to the kidnapping.
The murder of Musawir Khan has reignited public debate about the growing threat of abductions and criminal networks in Balochistan. Families across the province now demand not just answers, but urgent reforms and stronger accountability to ensure such tragedies are never repeated.
