Are Pakistani Forces Involved in the Forcible Disappearance of Six Baloch Men?
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Synopsis
The recent enforced disappearances of six Baloch men by Pakistani forces have raised serious concerns among human rights advocates. This troubling trend reflects a systematic targeting of Baloch youth and illustrates the deteriorating human rights situation within the region.
Key Takeaways
- Six men have been forcibly disappeared in recent days in Balochistan.
- Pakistani forces are allegedly involved in these enforced disappearances.
- Human rights organizations are calling for an end to these violations.
- Protests are being organized against extrajudicial killings.
- International attention is crucial to address the ongoing situation.
Quetta, July 3 (NationPress) Six individuals have been forcibly disappeared from various districts in Balochistan, contributing to a troubling pattern of enforced disappearances, according to a Baloch human rights organization on Tuesday that attributed these actions to Pakistani forces.
The Paank, a department within the Baloch National Movement focused on human rights, reported that these incidents occurred between July 1 and 2, coinciding with a notable rise in enforced disappearances throughout Balochistan.
On the evening of Tuesday, Talal Baloch, the son of Umid Ali, was abducted from his home in Ward No. 2, Pasni, located in Gwadar District. The next day, Safyan, son of Ghulam Rasool Sufi, was taken from the Singani Sar area of Turbat.
Paank also disclosed that on the same Tuesday, four additional youth were detained and disappeared from the Khuda Bakhsh Chaat area in Tehsil Mand, Kech District.
These individuals were identified as Jasim, son of Yaqoob Baloch, Malik, son of Faiz Muhammad, Faisal, son of Bijar Baloch, and Raziq, son of Bijar Baloch.
The human rights organization condemned this ongoing series of enforced disappearances, labeling them as “a blatant violation of international human rights laws.”
“These abductions underscore the alarming trend of the systematic targeting of Baloch youth,” remarked Paank.
Moreover, human rights advocates from Balochistan organized a protest rally in Panjgur district on Wednesday, denouncing the extrajudicial killing of Zeeshan Zaheer, a member of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC).
“Zeeshan’s father has been a victim of enforced disappearance since 2015. Rather than ensuring his father’s safe return, the state returned Zeeshan’s own body -- having been extrajudicially killed. We vehemently oppose the state’s ongoing atrocities against the Baloch people. These are not isolated incidents, but part of a systemic campaign of Baloch genocide. We are committed to exposing the war crimes occurring in Balochistan,” stated a BYC release.
The BYC has also denounced the ongoing efforts by Pakistan’s military establishment to intimidate and suppress the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP).
A recent press statement from HRCP painted a bleak picture of the increasingly oppressive environment in which human rights defenders now operate in Pakistan.
“The targeting of the HRCP signals a dangerous escalation of authoritarianism, where even those functioning within constitutional and legal frameworks are no longer safe from persecution. It is a stark warning that no space is secure in Pakistan -- not in courtrooms, classrooms, or even human rights institutions,” the BYC added.
The human rights body called for the immediate release of all detained human rights defenders, including BYC leadership, an end to enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings across Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, and the restoration of democratic rights throughout all regions.
Point of View
We stand firmly with the nation, advocating for human rights and justice. The ongoing disappearances in Balochistan highlight a critical need for accountability and protection of our citizens. We must strive for a society where all individuals are safe from such violations.
NationPress
03/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are enforced disappearances?
Enforced disappearances occur when individuals are abducted and their whereabouts are concealed by authorities, often leading to human rights violations.
Who is responsible for the disappearances in Balochistan?
A Baloch human rights organization has attributed these disappearances to Pakistani forces, reflecting a broader pattern of enforced disappearances in the region.
What actions have been taken by human rights organizations?
Human rights organizations, like the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, are condemning these actions and calling for the immediate release of detainees and an end to extrajudicial killings.
What is the current situation in Balochistan?
The situation in Balochistan is increasingly concerning, with reports of enforced disappearances and human rights violations by state forces.
How can the international community help?
The international community can raise awareness, apply diplomatic pressure, and support human rights initiatives to address the situation in Balochistan.
