Why is Pakistan Facing Criticism Over Increased Enforced Disappearances?

Quetta, July 30 (NationPress) A prominent Baloch human rights organization has vehemently denounced the ongoing cycle of oppression against the Baloch people by Pakistani forces, amidst a disturbing rise in enforced disappearances within the region.

Paank, the Human Rights Department of the Baloch National Movement, reported that an individual named Saddam Hussain Kurd was forcibly taken by Pakistani authorities from his residence in Killi Habib Faizabad, Quetta, during the night of July 18–19. Another Baloch civilian, Saleh Naeem, a resident of Pulabad in the Kech district, also fell victim to enforced disappearance by Pakistani forces on July 28.

“These disappearances are a part of a systematic strategy aimed at targeting Baloch civilians and youth,” stated Paank.

The human rights organization further condemned the arbitrary arrests and racial profiling of numerous Baloch students by the Islamabad Police.

Expressing concern, Paank noted that the detention of these students, who were taken to the Secretariat Police Station and questioned about supposed links to banned organizations, represents a “clear act of ethnic targeting” and a serious infringement of their basic rights as guaranteed by Pakistan’s Constitution and international human rights statutes. Such measures, it emphasized, erode the principles of equality, justice, and freedom of expression, further deepening the “systemic marginalization” experienced by the Baloch community.

“We are extremely disturbed by reports that human rights attorney Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir, a passionate advocate for Baloch rights, was present at the police station and may have been subjected to detention or harassment. Moreover, other individuals trying to enter the station reportedly faced mistreatment, underscoring the authorities' efforts to stifle dissent and silence those who challenge these injustices,” remarked Paank.

Paank called for the immediate release of all detained students and an end to the unlawful practice of racial profiling.

The human rights organization urged Pakistani authorities to fulfill their commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention against Torture, ensuring accountability for these violations.

“We demand an independent inquiry into the recent arrests, immediate access to legal representation for those detained, and effective measures to combat the racial profiling and harassment of Baloch students and activists. The voices of the Baloch community must be acknowledged, and their rights safeguarded, free from intimidation,” it stressed.