Why Are International Organisations Criticizing Pakistan for Rising Enforced Disappearances?
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Synopsis
International organizations have sharply criticized Pakistan for its ongoing issue of enforced disappearances. As the nation observes the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, calls for accountability and justice echo, shedding light on the trauma faced by countless families. Will the Pakistani authorities heed these urgent demands for change?
Key Takeaways
- Enforced disappearances continue to rise in Pakistan.
- Families face severe psychological and social consequences.
- International organizations are urging immediate action.
- Accountability for perpetrators is crucial for justice.
- Grassroots movements document numerous cases of disappearances.
Islamabad, Aug 30 (NationPress) On the occasion of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, multiple global human rights and civil society organizations gathered on Saturday to spotlight the systematic failures of Pakistani authorities in addressing the escalating issue of enforced disappearances. They urged local officials to deliver truth, justice, and reparations to victims and their families.
“Enforced disappearances have a profound impact on families and entire communities, especially when targeting ethnic minorities. These incidents adversely affect the mental and physical health, economic stability, and security of families, leading to stigma and social isolation. Furthermore, families and activists advocating for the return of their loved ones often face surveillance, harassment, and threats from Pakistani authorities,” stated a joint message from eight human rights and civil society organizations.
Referring to official statistics from the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (COIED), established by the Pakistani government, the rights groups highlighted that a total of 10,592 cases were logged from 2010 to August 2025. According to COIED, 1,017 were referred to internment centers, 4,776 individuals returned home, 706 were found in prisons, and 293 were reported extrajudicially killed or discovered dead. Another 1,978 cases were dismissed as not qualifying as enforced disappearances.
As of August 2025, there are 1,837 unresolved cases, with 140 new cases reported to COIED alone. “This absence of compliance and accountability not only renders the commission ineffective but also exacerbates the trauma for families, leaving them with official documents but no justice,” the signatories contended.
Grassroots and regional movements echoed this dire situation, with the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) reporting 546 cases of enforced disappearances in Pakistan from January to July 2025. Furthermore, the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) has recorded 133 cases, while Voice for Missing Persons of Sindh has reported 40 cases during the same period.
Moreover, the rights organization Defence of Human Rights (DHR) has chronicled 3,140 cases since 2006, out of which 1,362 victims remain forcibly disappeared, with 32 new cases documented in 2025.
“Peaceful demonstrations organized by families of the disappeared frequently face state repression, resulting in arbitrary arrests and unlawful force. Enforced disappearances are routinely employed by Pakistani authorities as a means to target dissidents and human rights defenders, with numerous cases documented by local civil society organizations,” the joint statement further noted.
The eight organizations called upon the Pakistani government to immediately cease the practice of enforced disappearances, bring all suspected criminals to justice in fair trials within ordinary civilian courts, and provide truth, justice, and reparations to victims and their families.
Point of View
I stand with the nation in advocating for human rights and accountability. The situation surrounding enforced disappearances in Pakistan is alarming and requires immediate attention. We must support efforts to ensure justice for victims and their families, reinforcing our commitment to human dignity and the rule of law.
NationPress
30/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are enforced disappearances?
Enforced disappearances refer to the abduction or imprisonment of individuals by state authorities, followed by a refusal to acknowledge their fate or whereabouts.
How many cases of enforced disappearances are reported in Pakistan?
Since 2010, over 10,592 cases of enforced disappearances have been reported, with many remaining unresolved as of August 2025.
What impact do enforced disappearances have on families?
Families of the disappeared often suffer from mental health issues, financial instability, and social isolation, in addition to facing threats and harassment.
What are organizations calling for?
Organizations are demanding an end to enforced disappearances, accountability for perpetrators, and reparations for victims and their families.
What steps can be taken to address this issue?
The Pakistani government must ensure transparency, provide justice through fair trials, and engage with civil society to find solutions.
