Are Pakistani Forces Involved in Extrajudicial Killings and Enforced Disappearances in Balochistan?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Quetta, Jan 7 (NationPress) A prominent human rights organization revealed on Wednesday two alarming incidents of violence against civilians in Balochistan: an extrajudicial killing in Awaran district and an enforced disappearance in Panjgur district, both attributed to Pakistani forces.
In a strong condemnation of the heinous act, Paank, part of the Baloch National Movement's Human Rights Department, reported that the lifeless body of Ayaz Baloch, a school teacher, was discovered in the Nondara area of Awaran on Tuesday, nearly fourteen months after he was forcibly vanished.
The organization stated that Ayaz Baloch was taken from his home in Geshkor Tehsil of Awaran by Pakistani security forces, alongside his cousin Imdad Baloch, on October 16, 2024.
Since their abduction, the family has continuously sought updates on their status, but authorities have provided no information. As of now, his cousin, Imdad Baloch, remains unaccounted for.
"This killing is indicative of a disturbing trend of targeted violence against educators and civilians in Balochistan. It is essential to remember that Ayaz Baloch's uncle, Khuda Bakhsh Baloch, who was also a school teacher, was extrajudicially executed on March 3, 2024, with his mutilated body later discovered at the Civil Hospital Khuzdar," Paank emphasized.
The rights organization held Pakistani security forces accountable for both the enforced disappearance and the subsequent murder of Ayaz, asserting, "Such actions represent severe violations of international human rights law, including the right to life, the prohibition of enforced disappearance, and the protection of civilians."
Paank also condemned the enforced disappearance of Shabir Ahmed, a 57-year-old doctor from Panjgur district, highlighting the ongoing atrocities against Baloch civilians.
According to sources, Shabir was taken from his residence in Panjgur on January 1 by personnel from Pakistan's Frontier Corps (FC). His family has since been engulfed in despair, lacking information regarding his location or legal status.
Paank expressed significant concern regarding the persistent issue of enforced disappearances in Balochistan, particularly focusing on professionals and civilians.
Balochistan continues to suffer from relentless atrocities perpetrated by Pakistani authorities, who enable death squads in the area to carry out enforced disappearances, extrajudicial executions, and unlawful detentions of the Baloch populace.