Did Pakistani Forces Forcibly Disappear a Man in Balochistan?
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Synopsis
On October 6, a shocking report surfaced from Quetta about the enforced disappearance of Asad Ullah in Khuzdar district, highlighting a troubling trend in Balochistan. This incident reflects the increased activity of security forces and local death squads amid ongoing human rights violations in the region. What does this mean for the people of Balochistan?
Key Takeaways
- Asad Ullah forcibly disappeared from Khuzdar.
- Human rights violations are rampant in Balochistan.
- Paank reports multiple enforced disappearances.
- Security forces and death squads collude in abductions.
- Urgent need for accountability and protection of civilians.
Quetta, Oct 6 (NationPress) A man was forcibly disappeared by Pakistani security forces from his residence in Balochistan's Khuzdar district amid a rising trend of enforced disappearances throughout the province, a prominent human rights organization reported on Monday. Paank, the Baloch National Movement's Human Rights Department, has recognized the victim as Asad Ullah.
In a statement released on X, Paank revealed, "On October 5, 2025, Pakistani security forces forcibly disappeared Asad Ullah, son of Rasool Bakhsh, from his home in the Norgama Zehri area of Khuzdar district. He is a shopkeeper by profession."
On Sunday, Paank also reported that Hamid Baloch, a resident of Gwadar's Dando, was forcibly disappeared from his hometown by a local death squad.
"On October 5, 2025, Hamid Baloch, son of Gwahram, and a resident of Dando, Kulanch in Gwadar district, was forcibly taken from his hometown. According to local sources, the abduction was executed by a local death squad in collaboration with Pakistani security forces," Paank stated on X.
Moreover, Paank highlighted another case of enforced disappearance. In a post shared on X, the human rights organization stated, "Forcible Disappearance of Mumtaz Saleh in Turbat. On October 2, 2025, Mumtaz Saleh, son of Saleh Zaheer, originally from Kashap, Dasht, and recently residing in the Gulshan Abad area of Turbat city, was forcibly abducted from his home by Pakistani security forces."
On September 29, a prominent Baloch human rights organization documented extensive human rights abuses across Balochistan, including 123 enforced disappearances and 26 killings perpetrated by Pakistan-backed death squads and security forces in August.
In its report, the Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) detailed that 123 cases of enforced disappearance were recorded in August 2025. Of these, 106 individuals remain unaccounted for, 12 were released, and five were extrajudicially killed while in custody.
"Quetta reported the highest number of abductions with 27 cases, closely followed by Kech with 25 and Dera Bugti with 15. Gwadar reported nine cases, Awaran eight, and Karachi seven. Nushki and Panjgur each had five cases, while Dalbandin, Khuzdar, and Washuk reported three each. Chagai, Hub, Lasbela, and Kharan recorded two cases each. Single cases were reported from Punjab, Barkhan, Mastung, Kalat, and Harnai," the report detailed, emphasizing the extensive enforced disappearances across Pakistan.
"81 cases were reported during house raids, while 36 individuals were taken from streets, shops, and offices under the guise of detention. Three were taken from checkpoints, and another three were summoned to military camps before disappearing," the report added.
The HRCB noted that Pakistan's Frontier Corps (FC) was implicated in 60 abduction cases, intelligence agencies were linked to 33, and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) was responsible for 28 abductions, while two cases were attributed to death squads.
According to the findings, during August, 26 individuals, including 24 men and two women, were killed, primarily at the hands of Pakistan-backed death squads and security forces. The report also highlighted widespread internet and mobile shutdowns, along with the enforcement of Section 144 across the province.
"Most incidents were the result of targeted attacks, with nine cases recorded. Five bodies were recovered, and four individuals were killed while in custody. An additional four cases were associated with honor-related killings. Furthermore, two deaths occurred during encounters, while one person was killed in mortar shelling and another in indiscriminate firing," the report emphasized.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the ongoing human rights concerns in Balochistan. The reported enforced disappearances and associated violence underscore a systemic issue that requires urgent attention. The nation must advocate for accountability and protection of its citizens, as these violations cannot be overlooked.
NationPress
06/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the situation regarding enforced disappearances in Balochistan?
Enforced disappearances in Balochistan have escalated, with numerous reports indicating involvement from security forces and local death squads. Human rights organizations have documented hundreds of cases, raising serious concerns about the safety of residents.
Who is responsible for these enforced disappearances?
The documentation indicates that various actors, including Pakistani security forces, the Frontier Corps, and local death squads, are involved in these enforced disappearances.
What actions are being taken by human rights organizations?
Human rights organizations are actively documenting cases, raising awareness, and calling for accountability and justice for victims of enforced disappearances.
