What Happened to the Baloch Civilian Who Died After Custodial Torture by Pakistani Forces?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ajaz Baloch died after being tortured in custody.
- Enforced disappearances are increasing in Balochistan.
- Local populations live in fear due to extrajudicial killings.
- The Baloch Yakjehti Committee is raising awareness of these abuses.
- International intervention is needed to address these violations.
Quetta, Nov 22 (NationPress) A tragic incident has unfolded in Balochistan, where another Baloch civilian has lost his life due to custodial torture inflicted by Pakistani security forces, according to a prominent human rights organization.
This latest act of violence is part of a disturbing trend characterized by a rise in extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture throughout the province.
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) reported that Ajaz Baloch, a 27-year-old shopkeeper, was forcibly taken away on November 16 from the Kunchati Dasht area in Kech district by personnel from Pakistan's Frontier Corps (FC).
Witnesses indicated that Ajaz was later transported to Turbat Civil Hospital in a critically injured condition, semi-conscious and exhibiting severe injuries attributed to brutal custodial violence. He sadly passed away on November 19.
“Those who saw him said his body showed evident signs of severe physical abuse, suggesting he experienced harsh treatment in custody. These recurring events have instilled a profound sense of fear among the community, as residents remain under constant psychological and physical strain due to the increasing occurrences of enforced disappearances, torture, and killings across Balochistan,” the BYC stated.
The organization emphasized that Ajaz's death highlights the deteriorating human rights situation in Balochistan, where families often face the agony of enforced disappearances and the discovery of tortured corpses.
In a related incident, the Baloch National Movement's Human Rights Department reported that a 15-year-old girl, Nasreena Baloch, was abducted by Pakistani security forces and intelligence agents during a raid in the Daroo area of Hub Chowki.
Additionally, the BYC pointed out another case of heinous killing in Balochistan. Ismail Baloch, a 25-year-old laborer from Khuzdar district, was extrajudicially executed by Pakistani security forces.
The rights group noted that Ismail was forcibly taken on November 18 by a state-backed death squad in the Surab region. The following day, his body was discovered in the Baghbana area of Khuzdar, riddled with multiple bullet wounds, confirming he had been killed while in custody.
“The murder of Ismail Baloch underscores the ongoing pattern of enforced disappearances, custodial torture, and extrajudicial killings executed by state-supported armed groups throughout Balochistan,” the BYC remarked.