Have Pakistani Forces Forcibly Disappeared Eight Civilians in Balochistan?
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Synopsis
Recent reports indicate a disturbing trend of enforced disappearances in Balochistan, with eight civilians reportedly taken by Pakistani security forces. This troubling situation highlights the broader issue of human rights violations in the region, as documented by local human rights organizations.
Key Takeaways
- Eight civilians forcibly disappeared in Balochistan by security forces.
- Increasing trend of enforced disappearances documented by human rights organizations.
- Families report growing concern for missing loved ones.
- Significant number of violations reported in Quetta, Kech, and Awaran.
- Calls for justice and accountability continue to grow amidst rising tensions.
Quetta, Oct 19 (NationPress) Eight individuals have been forcibly disappeared by Pakistani security forces across various locations in Balochistan, according to local media reports from Sunday.
The latest information reveals that several young men have been apprehended in Panjgur, Mastung, and Kharan and transported to undisclosed locations. Pakistani forces arrested four young men following a raid at their residence in Maskan Kalat, Killi Hassanabad area of Kharan around 1:45 a.m. on Sunday, as reported by The Balochistan Post.
One of the apprehended individuals is identified as Jahangir, the younger sibling of BNP member Najeeb Hassanabadi. Notably, two brothers from the same household were also taken during an operation back in 2013.
Among them, Najeeb was released from custody after seven months, while Babu Hassan was freed after a six-year imprisonment.
The second detained individual is Ahmed Shah, sibling of Mehmood Shah, who has been missing since 2013. The third individual missing is a resident of Kali Tamp named Baul Khan, who was also captured during the same raid.
On the night of October 18, personnel from the Frontier Corps (FC) conducted a raid in the Kali Karak area of Mastung at around 2 a.m., detaining three Baloch youths and making them disappear.
The missing individuals have been identified as Liaquat and Aqeel, both from Killi Karak, and Irfan, a resident of Parangabad. Their families have reported that the youths have not been seen since their apprehension. In another incident, Hameed was also taken into custody and moved to an undisclosed location.
On Saturday, a human rights organization, Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), raised concerns regarding the increase in enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture conducted by Pakistani authorities throughout Balochistan.
The BYC stated that violations of human rights against Baloch civilians have escalated as Pakistan has tightened its grip using both military and legal measures.
In its report titled 'Human Rights Situation in Balochistan', the organization documented a range of abuses specifically carried out by Pakistani authorities between July and August.
"Enforced disappearances have risen, with 182 individuals recorded missing—80 in July and 102 in August. Of these, 38 have been released, one was killed in custody, and 142 remain unaccounted for. The victims include 40 students, 15 minors, and one woman," the report detailed.
According to the findings, several districts in Balochistan, including Quetta, Kech, and Awaran, reported the highest instances of enforced disappearances, with Pakistan's Frontier Corps allegedly being the primary offender.
"Extrajudicial killings persist, with 29 individuals killed during July and August. Many of these cases involved targeted killings, custodial murders, and the kill-and-dump approach. Districts Kech, Awaran, and Khuzdar recorded the most incidents respectively," the report continued.
The report highlighted that 59 percent of the reported violations were executed by Pakistan-backed death squads, while 21 percent were attributed to armed forces. Minors were also victimized, with two children killed by mortar shells fired at the civilian population.
"Torture, inhumane, and degrading treatment of victims were documented, as several bodies of Baloch youth were found mutilated and discarded on the sides of roads. These individuals were victims of enforced disappearances who endured severe torture, clearly visible on their bodies. Kech and Awaran recorded the highest number of tortured and mutilated corpses," the BYC asserted.
"Collective punishment is prevalent in Balochistan, as state authorities target the families of political activists and human rights defenders. Force and law are being utilized to suppress dissent against serious human rights violations, including bombardments of civilian areas," it concluded.
Point of View
It is our duty to provide an unbiased perspective on the ongoing human rights crisis in Balochistan. The reported disappearances and violations against civilians must be addressed with urgency and transparency. We stand with the nation in advocating for justice and accountability in these troubling circumstances.
NationPress
19/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current situation regarding enforced disappearances in Balochistan?
Recent reports indicate a rise in enforced disappearances, with eight civilians reportedly taken by security forces, raising concerns over human rights violations.
Who are the victims of these enforced disappearances?
The victims include young men from various regions in Balochistan, some of whom have been missing since 2013.
What actions are human rights organizations taking?
Organizations like the Baloch Yakjehti Committee are documenting these violations and advocating for justice and accountability.
How have the authorities responded to these claims?
The authorities have tightened their control over the region, leading to an escalation in reported human rights abuses.
What areas are most affected by these violations?
Districts such as Quetta, Kech, and Awaran have reported the highest instances of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
