Have Pakistani Security Forces Abducted Another Baloch Woman?
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Synopsis
In a troubling escalation of human rights violations, Pakistani security forces have reportedly abducted another Baloch woman. This incident reflects a broader pattern of enforced disappearances affecting women, particularly pregnant individuals, raising urgent concerns for their rights and safety.
Key Takeaways
- Pakistani security forces have allegedly abducted another Baloch woman.
- A worrying rise in enforced disappearances is noted, particularly affecting women.
- Human rights organizations are calling for international intervention.
- The enforced disappearance of pregnant women is a grave violation of human rights.
- Collective punishment is being employed against families, raising serious ethical concerns.
Quetta, Jan 15 (NationPress) Reports have emerged that Pakistani security forces have allegedly apprehended and forcibly vanished yet another Baloch woman from Hub Chowki in the volatile region of Balochistan, as reported by local media on Thursday amidst a worrying surge in similar incidents.
Fatima, the spouse of Noroz Islam and a resident of Panjgur, was reportedly taken from her home in Akram Colony to an undisclosed location, as per The Balochistan Post, which cited a local source. To date, no official confirmation regarding her detention or current location has been made public.
Her family has expressed deep concern, noting that her husband, Noroz Islam, has faced enforced disappearance three times previously. This latest episode contributes to the increasing number of similar cases reported in Balochistan over the past months.
On January 10, a prominent human rights organization indicated that at least 12 women, including minors and expectant mothers, had been forcibly vanished by Pakistan's security forces and intelligence agencies in 2025.
In a thematic report titled 'Two Lives at Risk: Enforced Disappearance of a Pregnant Woman in Balochistan', the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) highlighted the case of Hani Baloch, an eight-month-pregnant woman and mother of two, along with three of her family members, who were abducted from Kech district in Balochistan between December 19 and 23, 2025, through a series of coordinated actions.
The report indicates a disturbing trend in Balochistan, where enforced disappearances, historically targeting men, are increasingly affecting women, including pregnant individuals.
“The enforced disappearance of a pregnant woman represents an aggravated human rights violation, posing significant and immediate risks to both the woman and her unborn child. This act is a violation of the rights to life, health, dignity, liberty, and legal protection,” the BYC stated.
All four individuals involved remain missing, according to the report, while the Pakistani authorities have not acknowledged their detention or revealed their status, thereby establishing “a prima facie case of enforced disappearance and suggesting a pattern of targeted, collective punishment.”
The disappearance of multiple family members within a short timeframe suggests that collective punishment is being employed, a practice that is prohibited under international human rights law. Instead of pursuing individuals through lawful means, such actions penalize entire families and communities, fostering fear and coercion. This results in long-lasting psychological trauma, especially for women left behind, and inflicts social stigma. The removal of multiple family members disrupts family dynamics, leaving children without caregivers and households without financial resources,” the BYC emphasized.
The rights organization has urged the United Nations human rights mechanisms, including the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances and relevant Special Procedures, to exert pressure on the Government of Pakistan for the immediate release of Hani Baloch and her family members, demanding disclosure of their locations, legal status, and health conditions.
Furthermore, it called on the international community to hold the Government of Pakistan and its security and intelligence agencies accountable for the enforced disappearance of Hani Baloch and her family, with a particular focus on women and pregnant individuals.
Point of View
Our stance remains unwavering in support of the nation and its people. This alarming situation necessitates a collective response to uphold human rights, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of gender or background, are protected from such egregious violations.
NationPress
16/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Baloch woman in Hub Chowki?
The Baloch woman, Fatima, was allegedly detained by Pakistani security forces and forcibly disappeared from her home in Hub Chowki, as reported by local media.
How many women have been forcibly disappeared in Balochistan recently?
Recent reports from human rights organizations indicate that at least 12 women, including minors and pregnant women, have been forcibly disappeared by security forces in 2025.
What action is being urged by human rights organizations?
Human rights organizations are urging the United Nations to pressure the Government of Pakistan for the immediate release of those forcibly disappeared and to disclose their whereabouts and legal status.
Why is the enforced disappearance of pregnant women significant?
The enforced disappearance of pregnant women poses severe risks to both the mother and unborn child, representing a violation of multiple human rights.
What is collective punishment in this context?
Collective punishment refers to the practice of penalizing entire families or communities for the actions of individuals, which is prohibited under international human rights law.
