Quetta, Oct 18 (NationPress) The human rights organization, Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), has raised alarms regarding the alarming rise in enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture inflicted by Pakistani authorities across the region of Balochistan.

The BYC reported that violations against Baloch civilians have escalated as Pakistan has tightened its grip through both coercive and legal measures.

In a recent report titled “Human Rights Situation in Balochistan”, the organization documented widespread abuses particularly executed by Pakistani authorities between July and August.

“The number of enforced disappearances has surged, with 182 individuals reported 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 missing include 40 students, 15 minors, and one woman,” the report stated.

The findings highlighted that numerous districts in Balochistan, including Quetta, Kech, and Awaran, recorded the highest incidents of enforced disappearances, with Pakistan’s Frontier Corps allegedly being the main culprit.

“Extrajudicial killings have persisted, with 29 reported deaths during July and August. Most cases involved targeted killings, custodial deaths, and the notorious kill-and-dump method. Districts Kech, Awaran, and Khuzdar have seen the highest instances,” the report elaborated.

The BYC noted that 59% of recorded violations were executed by death squads aligned with Pakistan, with 21% attributed to armed forces. Tragically, minors have also been victims, with two children reported killed by mortar fire on civilian areas.

“Victims often face horrific torture, with numerous bodies of Baloch youth discovered mutilated and abandoned on roadsides, evidencing severe torture endured during enforced disappearances. Kech and Awaran witnessed the most mutilated corpses,” the BYC reported.

“Collective punishment is prevalent in Balochistan, as state authorities target the families of political activists and human rights defenders. Coercion and legal measures are being wielded to suppress dissent against gross human rights violations. Additionally, bombings on civilian populations have been reported,” it continued.

According to the BYC, the actions of Pakistan, as detailed in its report, breach international agreements, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention Against Torture (CAT), and the Geneva Conventions, to which Pakistan is a signatory.

The organization urged the international community, including the United Nations, to take decisive action to prevent impunity and safeguard the rights of the Baloch people.