Why Did Baloch Activists Condemn the Brutal Extrajudicial Killing of a Youth?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Adeel's killing is part of a disturbing pattern of violence against Baloch youth.
- Human rights organizations are calling for accountability and justice.
- International attention is crucial to address these human rights violations.
- Enforced disappearances are a significant issue in Balochistan.
- Continued silence may perpetuate a cycle of impunity.
Quetta, June 23 (NationPress) Baloch human rights organizations have vehemently criticized the brutal extrajudicial killing of a young man on Monday morning, perpetrated by a Pakistani government-backed death squad near a hotel in the city of Turbat, Balochistan.
The organizations, including the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and Baloch Voice For Justice (BVJ), reported that Adeel, the son of Master Iqbal, was shot dead in broad daylight shortly after his release from an unlawful enforced disappearance.
The BYC disclosed that Adeel had been abducted by Pakistani security forces on March 8, 2023.
"His disappearance triggered a lengthy sit-in protest by his family at D-Baloch in Turbat, lasting over 20 days. They later joined another sit-in organized by the BYC at Fida Chowk following the extrajudicial killing of Balach Mola Baksh by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD)," stated the BYC.
"As the BYC prepared for its long march against the ongoing Baloch genocide, Adeel's family was among those poised to participate. However, they faced threats and pressure from state-linked entities that attempted to dissuade them from joining. Adeel was ultimately released on March 5, 2024, after nearly a year of being missing," it continued.
The BYC expressed grave concerns, emphasizing that Adeel's killing is indicative of a troubling trend where victims of enforced disappearances, primarily Baloch youth, are later targeted and executed.
Meanwhile, the BVJ also condemned the targeted killing of Adeel.
"This incident underscores a worrying pattern in Balochistan: instead of justice and rehabilitation, victims of enforced disappearances are being targeted after their release. This represents a profound violation of international human rights and humanitarian law," stated the BVJ.
The rights organization called for international human rights groups to initiate an independent and transparent inquiry into this killing, and to end the practices of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions in Balochistan. They also urged international human rights bodies to guarantee the safety and protection of all previously disappeared individuals.
"We appeal to the international community, the United Nations, and global human rights organizations to urgently address this alarming trend and demand accountability. Ongoing silence only perpetuates the cycle of impunity," the BVJ concluded.