Why is the Baloch Rights Body Alarmed Over the Second Abduction of a Civilian?

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Why is the Baloch Rights Body Alarmed Over the Second Abduction of a Civilian?

Synopsis

The alarming re-abduction of Baloch civilian Sagheer Ahmed by Pakistani security forces has raised serious concerns among human rights organizations. Following a series of extrajudicial killings, this incident underscores a disturbing pattern of state-sponsored violence and calls for urgent international scrutiny.

Key Takeaways

  • The re-abduction of Sagheer Ahmed highlights ongoing issues of enforced disappearances in Balochistan.
  • HRCB calls for immediate action and accountability from Pakistani authorities.
  • Extrajudicial killings of Baloch civilians represent a systematic pattern of state violence.
  • The international community's attention is crucial in addressing these human rights violations.
  • Families of victims are actively seeking justice through legal and human rights channels.

Quetta, June 13 (NationPress) The Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) expressed strong apprehension regarding the re-abduction of a Baloch civilian by Pakistani security forces in the Gwadar district of Balochistan. This incident follows the extrajudicial killing of five forcibly disappeared Baloch civilians by Pakistani forces on Wednesday.

The HRCB reported that on Thursday, while making his way from Turbat to Karachi, Sagheer Ahmed was stopped by Pakistani forces near Ormara, alongside his cousin Iqrar Jangiyan, who was also taken against his will. Their current location remains unknown.

“Sagheer, hailing from Teerteg village in Awaran, had previously been abducted on November 20, 2017, by intelligence agents while he was a student at Karachi University. Reports indicated that plainclothes personnel stormed the canteen, checked IDs, and forcibly removed him after seizing his belongings. Despite initial police denial, an FIR (No. 362/2017) was registered on December 7, 2017,” the HRCB’s statement emphasized, demanding his immediate and unconditional release.

“His family reached out to the National Commission for Human Rights, which called on university officials to conduct an investigation. His sister, Hameeda Qadir, filed a petition in the Sindh High Court, and the matter was later brought to the attention of the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID), prompting a response from the Pakistani government. Following continued protests, Sagheer was finally released on July 2, 2018,” the statement detailed.

The rights organization asserted that this latest abduction underscores a troubling trend of state impunity and retaliation against individuals who have previously been forcibly disappeared. The HRCB expressed grave concern, stating that despite international scrutiny, Sagheer has once again fallen victim to enforced disappearance.

“The repeated targeting of individuals who have endured such severe violations signifies a blatant disregard for the rule of law and reveals a systematic pattern of abuse and intimidation by state authorities,” the HRCB declared.

The organization called for the immediate and safe release of both Sagheer Ahmed and Iqrar Jangiyan, insisting that Pakistani authorities must cease the practice of enforced disappearances, hold those responsible accountable, and honor their commitments under international human rights law.

On Thursday, the HRCB reiterated that the five forcibly disappeared Baloch civilians had been extrajudicially killed by Pakistani forces in Balochistan.

“The Human Rights Council of Balochistan vehemently condemns the extrajudicial killings of five Baloch civilians, previously subjected to enforced disappearance by Pakistani forces. These murders, executed in two separate occurrences on June 11, 2025, mark yet another sorrowful chapter in the ongoing campaign of violence and oppression against the Baloch populace,” the rights body’s statement concluded.

Reinforcing its demands, the HRCB called for an independent international investigation into the prevalent practices of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan, urging global human rights organizations to urgently address these atrocities perpetrated by the state of Pakistan.

Point of View

It is essential to approach this situation with a commitment to human rights and accountability. The ongoing issues of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan demand our attention and action, aligning with the nation's responsibility to uphold the rule of law and protect its citizens.
NationPress
14/06/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Human Rights Council of Balochistan?
The Human Rights Council of Balochistan is an organization advocating for the protection of human rights and addressing abuses in the Balochistan region.
What happened to Sagheer Ahmed?
Sagheer Ahmed has been abducted for the second time by Pakistani security forces, raising concerns about enforced disappearances.
What actions have been taken by Sagheer's family?
Sagheer's family has approached various human rights bodies, including the National Commission for Human Rights and the Sindh High Court, seeking justice and accountability.
What is the significance of the recent extrajudicial killings?
The extrajudicial killings of five Baloch civilians highlight a grim pattern of violence and repression faced by the Baloch people.
What does the HRCB demand?
The HRCB demands the immediate release of Sagheer Ahmed and Iqrar Jangiyan, an end to enforced disappearances, and accountability for perpetrators.