We’ve barely crossed the threshold into 2017, and already, Pakistan’s Defense of Human Rights Organization has confirmed the disappearances of four Pakistani activists. Waqas Goraya and Asim Saeed reportedly went ‘missing’ on the 4^th, while Salman Haider and Ahmed Raza went missing on the 6^th and 7^th, respectively (as reported by Dawn). Salman Haider is, at present, the only disappearance the government has commented on, with a spokesman stating that the government would “investigate Mr. Haider’s situation” (As quoted from the BBC). Apart from this rather frivolous comment, the government’s silence has all but confirmed that the ‘missing’ activists are yet another ‘forced abduction’ case. Forcefully abducting political dissidents has become a reprehensible habit of the Pakistan government, who have, throughout history, attempted to suppress dissent, thereby suppressing free speech, by abducting dissenters. In fact, the practice is conducted with such regularity, that ‘missing’ is a euphemism for ‘forcibly abducted’ (and presumed dead). Therefore, it has never been more urgent for pro-liberalists, both in and outside of Pakistan, to hold firm and push back against the government.

The pro-liberal stand has come from an array of sources, including Pakistani activists, liberalist publications, and international bodies. Many defiant activists and journalist have taken to social media and provided a platform for communication amongst pro-liberal Pakistanis, and there have already been unconfirmed reports that have emerged, which suggest that another five activists may be missing. Clearly, a strong social media presence is essential as it presents a united protest and is very assessable for Pakistani civilians, but the reporting is not official and facts remain unsubstantiated. This is why liberal publications within Pakistan, such as Dawn, are crucial for validating various claims made on social media. Their reports, at least, appear to be objective and fact-checked, thereby giving the Pakistani people some certainty in what they read. With that said, in a time, where uncertainty in Pakistan is at an unprecedented high, honest reporting on government activities is paramount. It is also why recognition from trusted international bodies, like the UN and the Human Rights Commission, is essential for Pakistani liberals to hear. The UN condemned the Pakistani government’s lack of action by stating that “the Government of Pakistan needs to take every step possible to locate the four missing activists, a first step toward reemphasizing its commitment to freedom of expression at the beginning of the year.” The Human Rights Commission was more direct in its condemnation by stating that “The nature of these apparent abductions puts the… government on notice that it can either be part of the solution or it will be held responsible for its role in the problem,” (As quoted in Al Jazeera).

It seems that a pushback against a repressive Pakistani government is unified and, if you asked conservative, pro-government Pakistani’s, escalating to an unbearable level. However, it appears to be the complete opposite. If one scrolled through the Pakistani Cyber Force Facebook page and the pro-Pakistani military page, they would find reams of comments from ordinary Pakistani’s repudiating the four activists, celebrating their disappearance, and describing them as blasphemers. Between Pakistan’s archaic Islamic Blasphemy laws, and the draconian Cyber Crime Act that was pushed through government in 2016, the government has an, almost, unlimited power to remove or censor any publication that offends or criticizes the actions of the military or government. If you combine these laws with ‘forced abduction,’ then it is unsurprising that the Free Press Organization categorized Pakistan as being ‘Not Free,’ in 2016. Therefore, it can only be said that more is needed, such as more recognition from the international community and continued bravery from liberal Pakistani’s, whose voices are needed more than ever.