Why Are Five Baloch Civilians Forcibly Disappeared by Pakistani Forces?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Five Baloch civilians were forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces.
- The incidents signify a troubling rise in human rights violations in Balochistan.
- The BVJ demands immediate recovery and accountability for the perpetrators.
- International organizations are urged to intervene and advocate for justice.
- Enforced disappearances are a severe violation of human rights.
Quetta, Oct 24 (NationPress) In a disturbing development, Pakistani forces have forcibly disappeared at least five more Baloch civilians in the Dera Bugti district of Balochistan, amidst a deteriorating human rights situation in the area, according to a prominent human rights organization.
This latest incident adds to a troubling trend of persecution characterized by a rise in enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture throughout the province.
Condemning these actions, the Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ) reported that the recent operations were executed by personnel from Pakistan's infamous Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in collaboration with officials from Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in the Sui area of Dera Bugti. During these raids, homes were ransacked, families were subjected to torment, and five individuals were forcibly taken.
The victims have been identified as Akram, Ahsan, Ibrahim, Mandha Bugti, and his nephew Noor Din.
“These occurrences reflect a troubling increase in enforced disappearances within Balochistan, which represent a severe violation of both human rights and international standards,” the BVJ stated.
The rights organization demanded the immediate recovery of the missing individuals and their safety, while insisting that those responsible for these enforced disappearances be held accountable and brought to justice.
Furthermore, it urged the Government of Pakistan to implement effective measures to prevent enforced disappearances, in alignment with its international human rights commitments.
The BVJ also called upon global human rights entities, including the United Nations, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, to acknowledge these incidents and apply pressure on Pakistani authorities to ensure the recovery of the missing persons and justice.
Additionally, on Friday, the rights body condemned the enforced disappearance of another Baloch civilian, Manan Qadir, who is a cousin of the forcibly disappeared Rashid Hussain, missing since 2018.
According to reports, the BVJ mentioned that Pakistani security forces raided the homes of Rashid Hussain's relatives in the Zehri region five days prior.
“During this operation, forces opened fire on residences and subjected women and children to violence. Several family members were detained; while most have since been released, Manan Qadir remains in custody and his whereabouts are unknown,” the rights body reported.
The BVJ called on Pakistani authorities to put an end to enforced disappearances, reveal the fate and location of all missing persons, and ensure accountability for the perpetrators.