Quetta, April 2 (NationPress) - A devastating mortar strike by Pakistani forces in Balochistan resulted in the deaths of three individuals from a single Baloch family, including a young child, as reported by prominent human rights organizations.

According to the Baloch National Movement's Human Rights Department, this heartbreaking event transpired on the evening of March 31 in the Bungul Bazar region of Awaran district.

The report indicated that Pakistani security forces employed heavy artillery, such as mortar shells, in close proximity to civilian areas following an assault on a nearby military installation by Baloch armed groups.

During the conflict, one mortar shell struck a home in Bungul Bazar, resulting in the immediate deaths of three family members.

The victims were identified as 60-year-old Muhammad Umar, 57-year-old Faiza, and their daughter, Mahzaib Baloch, who was a fifth-grade student.

The Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ) condemned this incident, stating, “This tragedy underscores potential breaches of international humanitarian law, especially concerning the principles of distinction and proportionality, which require that all parties safeguard civilians and civilian infrastructure. The deployment of indirect fire in populated regions substantially elevates the risk of indiscriminate damage and necessitates thorough examination.”

The rights organization called for an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the event, emphasizing the need for accountability according to relevant legal standards.

Additionally, Paank raised concerns over the extrajudicial killings of four civilians and the enforced disappearance of three others by Pakistani forces.

Reports indicated that the lifeless body of 18-year-old student Ghulam Qadir, along with two others, was found on the coastal Palleri Link Road in the Gwadar district of Balochistan.

“The circumstances surrounding this discovery suggest a blatant case of extrajudicial execution. The recovery of multiple bodies simultaneously raises alarms about systematic targeting and coordinated violent actions,” Paank asserted.

The rights organization also vehemently condemned the brutal extrajudicial killing of Faraz Baloch, a resident of the Duzap area in Panjgur district, by death squads associated with Pakistan on March 28.

According to verified reports, Faraz was murdered when members of the death squad invaded his home in an attempt to forcibly abduct him.

It was reported that Faraz tried to flee the unlawful detention and was shot, suffering severe injuries. He was allegedly shot again while already wounded, leading to his death.

Highlighting the ongoing atrocities against civilians in Balochistan, the rights organization noted that another civilian, Zafar Baloch, was abducted by personnel from Pakistan’s Frontier Corps military intelligence on March 28 in Awaran.

The location of Zafar remains unknown since his abduction, leaving his family in a state of significant distress and uncertainty.

Concerned about the rising incidents of enforced disappearances, Paank also reported the abductions of two young men, 20-year-old Fahad Baloch and 31-year-old Sharoz Qayoum, by Pakistani security forces in separate operations last month.

Balochistan continues to experience a relentless wave of atrocities perpetrated by Pakistani forces, characterized by enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings of Baloch civilians at an alarming rate.