LAHORE: Members of civil society, individuals, organisations, friends and well-wishers organised a Twitter campaign in solidarity with missing peace activist Raza Mahmood Khan who is missing since December 2 last year.
He was picked up from his rented home in Lahore by unidentified persons and was last seen at a public discussion organised at Lowkey-Lokai in the aftermath of the Faizabad protests by some hardliners.
The Lahore High Court (LHC) disposed of Raza’s case after having confirmed that alternative investigation agencies such as Commission on Enforced Disappearances are conducting an investigation to recover the missing activist.
It has now been six months since Raza disappeared. The Military Intelligence (MI) and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) have denied any role in his abduction. Raza Khan is certainly not isolated in the rapidly escalating trend of enforced disappearances in Pakistan.
Raza’s family, friends and well-wishers deeply aggrieved by his prolonged disappearance turned to social media once again to raise their voice for not only missing peace activist Raza Khan but all missing persons. On Twitter, many human rights defenders, activists, journalists, peace educators, representatives of political parties, and friends of Raza and other missing persons demanded the release of all missing persons with #FindRaza and #ReleaseMissingPersons
Usman Khan wrote, “Raza is an idea, a thought, a progressive innovation, a need. His work for peace is not an ordinary theory, instead of a living example of service of humanity. Let’s bring him back. Speak together to #FindRaza”
Raza Ahmad Rumi stated, “Activism for #peace between #India & #Pakistan is not a crime. Wanting a different future for #youth is not a sin. The informed & conscientious citizenry is the backbone of a robust society. Why has #RazaKhan gone missing? #FindRaza
Jibran Nasir urged concerned citizens to spare a moment in solidarity with friends and families of all missing person — “#FindRaza #ReleaseMissingPersons Please help us tonight 10:00 PM PST by tweeting or posting on social media. Your 1 minute can be a ray of hope 4 friends and families of missing persons.”
Flybeyound said, “Peace lovers around Globe are requested please raise your voice for #Raza and all other #Missingpersons. Just take one minute from your busy schedule do one tweet by using #FindRaza.Thank you in advance #FindRaza #SaveBalochMissingPersons #SavePashtuns #SaveBSOLeaders #SaveSindhi.”
Aisha Amir Ahmad said, “6 months ago, Raza disappeared. He has not been produced in court. The court has handed it off to the Commission on Enforced Disappearances. Who will #FindRaza? Who will #BringBackRaza? #ReleaseMissingPersons, bring them to trial if you believe them to be criminals. #NotonMyWatch.”