Has Pakistan Crossed the Red Line in Balochistan?
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Synopsis
In a shocking revelation, the Baloch National Movement's Human Rights Division, Paank, has alleged that the Pakistani military has crossed critical human rights boundaries in Balochistan by abducting women activists. This article delves into the grave human rights violations occurring in the region and the urgent call for accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan's military is accused of serious human rights violations in Balochistan.
- Abduction and torture of women activists are critical concerns.
- Zarina Marri's case exemplifies the broader campaign against Baloch women.
- International silence on Balochistan raises questions of complicity.
- Urgent calls for justice and accountability are needed.
Quetta, July 27 (NationPress) Paank, the Human Rights Division of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), stated on Sunday that the Pakistani military has exceeded acceptable limits in the resource-abundant province of Balochistan by abducting numerous women activists.
“In recent years, Pakistan has significantly breached human rights standards, religious freedoms, and humanitarian principles in Balochistan. The Pakistani military has been reported to engage in the torture, detention, and abduction of young Baloch women, raising serious alarms for human rights advocates. Their actions even contravene the laws established within the province,” the human rights organization declared in a statement.
Paank further highlighted that despite being a region abundant in natural resources and trade opportunities, Balochistan endures egregious human rights abuses and inhumane treatment at the hands of the Pakistani military.
The organization pointed out that Balochistan is experiencing severe military oppression, including resource exploitation, lack of essential services, military assaults, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, criminalization, and collective punishment.
“The Pakistani military has resorted to torturing, detaining, and abducting young Baloch women,” the statement read. Paank emphasized that these activities pose a severe threat to human rights advocates.
“This alarming trend began in 2006. Zarina Marri, a Baloch educator, remains uncontactable after being taken by the Pakistani military. Reports from whistleblowers and human rights monitors suggest that she has endured physical, psychological, and sexual torture while in custody, used as a means of oppression, degradation, and control,” the organization noted.
It added that Zarina Marri’s situation is not an isolated incident but part of a systematic, deliberate campaign of state terror orchestrated by the Pakistani military against Baloch women and activists.
Paank stated that the arbitrary detentions and harassment of Mahrang Baloch, Bebow Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, and Mahjabeen Baloch, who have peacefully sought justice and human rights, reveal a regime founded on the ruthless suppression of dissent.
“We (Baloch) have sought justice through every available avenue but have only encountered condemnation, not effective measures against the barbaric actions of the Pakistani state towards the Baloch populace. Despite years of escalating mistreatment, where is your outrage? Where is your intervention? Where are the inquiries, the condemnations, and the calls for accountability?” the organization expressed.
Paank remarked that human rights and feminist organizations have never hesitated to denounce state violence in Palestine, Iran, India, Myanmar, and beyond.
“However, when it comes to Balochistan, your silence is deafening, and your inaction amounts to complicity,” Paank concluded.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the severity of the situation in Balochistan. The allegations raised by Paank must be taken seriously, as they highlight ongoing human rights abuses that resonate beyond regional borders. Our responsibility is to advocate for justice and accountability, ensuring that the voice of the people of Balochistan is heard and that their rights are safeguarded.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key human rights violations reported in Balochistan?
Reports indicate that the Pakistani military is involved in extensive human rights violations, including the torture, abduction, and detention of young Baloch women, forced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings.
What actions have been taken by human rights organizations?
Human rights organizations like the Baloch National Movement have condemned these actions and called for international intervention and accountability for the perpetrators.
Is the case of Zarina Marri an isolated incident?
No, Zarina Marri's case is part of a broader pattern of state terror against Baloch women and activists, highlighting a systematic campaign of oppression.
How has the international community responded?
While human rights groups have condemned violence in various regions, there has been a notable silence regarding the situation in Balochistan, which raises concerns about complicity.
What can be done to address the situation?
Raising awareness, advocating for justice, and demanding accountability from the Pakistani government are essential steps to address these human rights violations.
