Is Pakistan Committing War Crimes in Balochistan?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 84 individuals reported missing in June 2025.
- 33 victims of extrajudicial killings documented.
- Systematic state oppression faced by the Baloch community.
- Increasing frequency of abductions from major cities.
- Urgent need for accountability and justice.
Quetta, July 15 (NationPress) A prominent Baloch human rights organization has condemned Pakistan for allegedly perpetrating war crimes in Balochistan, emphasizing a significant escalation in human rights violations within the province. In their latest report titled 'Balochistan Human Rights Report – June 2025', Paank, the Human Rights Department of the Baloch National Movement, has unveiled distressing instances of human rights abuses, notably enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
The report indicates a disturbing trend of state repression, where individuals are detained arbitrarily, with many reportedly unlawfully killed by Pakistani forces. According to Paank, June 2025 saw numerous cases of enforced disappearances and illegal detentions across 14 districts in Balochistan, with the highest incidents recorded in the districts of Kech and Mastung. A staggering total of 84 individuals were forcibly disappeared, many held without legal recourse, and 32 were subsequently released after enduring mental and physical torture during their detention.
The organization raised alarms over the alarming trend of Baloch youth being abducted from major cities like Karachi and Islamabad, prompting serious concerns among families and human rights advocates. Despite ongoing appeals for justice, the case of racial profiling involving Baloch students remains unresolved in the Islamabad High Court. In Karachi, the indigenous Baloch community faces systemic oppression, enduring frequent harassment, illegal raids, and disappearances, fostering a climate of fear and injustice.
The report's statistics reveal that in June 2025, there were 84 reported cases of disappearances across 14 districts, 32 individuals faced abuse, and 33 fell victim to extrajudicial killings. The rights organization asserts that extrajudicial killings continue unabated, with military forces detaining and executing individuals without any judicial oversight, often for unspecified reasons. This situation is indicative of a disturbing trend of unchecked violence by state authorities.
One poignant case highlighted by Paank is that of Aman Ullah Baloch from Mashkai Shareeki, who faced relentless harassment from the Pakistani army. He was coerced multiple times to work against his will, leading to unbearable intimidation. Tragically, he took his own life on June 16, 2025, illustrating the severe psychological impact of such state-sponsored abuse.
According to the rights body, these violations are executed by Pakistani security forces targeting civilians without legal justification or judicial review. The evidence points to a systematic campaign of state-led repression and violence.