Is the Life of a Baloch Teen Worthless? Another Victim of Extrajudicial Killing?
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Synopsis
The tragic death of 17-year-old Ehsan Shah in Balochistan has sparked outrage and calls for justice. His mother’s plea highlights the ongoing violence and intimidation faced by Baloch civilians, as human rights organizations demand accountability from state forces. Will the international community take notice and act against these atrocities?
Key Takeaways
- Ehsan Shah was a victim of extrajudicial killing in Balochistan.
- The Baloch Yakjehti Committee is actively condemning the violence.
- Human rights abuses in Balochistan are on the rise.
- State forces are often not held accountable for their actions.
- There is a call for international intervention to address the situation.
Quetta, June 26 (NationPress) The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has vehemently criticized the extrajudicial murder of 17-year-old Ehsan Shah in Balochistan, carried out by Pakistan's Frontier Corps (FC). This incident is seen as part of a troubling trend of violence, enforced disappearances, and intimidation targeting Baloch civilians.
During a press conference held at the Mastung Press Club, Ehsan's heartbroken mother made a heartfelt plea for justice, detailing the circumstances surrounding her son's tragic death on June 3 near the Lak Pass Tunnel.
"Why was my son murdered? He had no charges against him. He was innocent and unarmed; his only crime was being Baloch. Why are state forces permitted to kill our youth without consequences?" she expressed, fighting back tears.
As per her account, Ehsan was en route to Quetta for Eid shopping with a friend when FC personnel halted their vehicle. Without any provocation, Ehsan was shot in the shoulder while still seated in the car.
Eyewitnesses later informed the family that an FC soldier remarked to his superior, "He's got nothing... but he's dead now. What should we do?"
The family's attempts to seek justice were met with threats. Ehsan's mother disclosed that her husband faced intimidation when he approached Deputy Commissioners and officials for legal action, being warned about the safety of their family and his employment.
Despite conducting press conferences and making public pleas, there has been no response from state authorities.
"I urge all Baloch families: do not remain silent. Stand up and speak for your sons. We will not be silenced. We will resist," Ehsan's mother implored, calling for others to join the growing movement for justice.
The BYC reiterated its support for the family and urged national and international human rights organizations, legal bodies, and independent observers to urgently address the widespread violence and oppression in Balochistan.
The killing of Ehsan Shah takes place amidst a surge in human rights abuses in the province. A recent report by the Human Rights Council of Balochistan revealed that May 2025 alone witnessed 138 cases of enforced disappearances—137 men and one woman.
Of these, 97 individuals remain missing, 29 were released, and 12 were extrajudicially killed by Pakistani forces.
Balochistan has long been a focal point of an armed struggle for independence.
Human rights organizations have consistently highlighted a pattern of systemic repression, including violent home raids, unlawful detentions, enforced disappearances, a 'kill and dump' policy, arbitrary arrests under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, and baseless charges against civilians and Baloch leaders.
The BYC has persistently called upon the international community to intervene urgently and address what it terms a "humanitarian and political crisis" in Balochistan.
Point of View
It is imperative to highlight the persistent human rights violations in Balochistan. The tragic case of Ehsan Shah underlines the urgent need for attention and action from both national and international communities. Our commitment remains to report truthfully and advocate for justice, ensuring that the voices of the oppressed are heard.
NationPress
26/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Ehsan Shah?
Ehsan Shah, a 17-year-old from Balochistan, was extrajudicially killed by Pakistan's Frontier Corps while he was unarmed and innocent.
What is the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC)?
The BYC is a human rights organization that advocates for the rights of the Baloch people and condemns human rights abuses.
What are the common human rights violations in Balochistan?
Common violations include enforced disappearances, unlawful detentions, extrajudicial killings, and intimidation of civilians.
What is the international community doing about these issues?
Human rights organizations are calling for urgent intervention from the international community to address the crisis in Balochistan.
How can people support the cause?
People can support the cause by raising awareness, advocating for justice, and joining movements that seek accountability for human rights violations.
