Was a Baloch Youth Killed by Pakistani Forces in Nokundi?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shadir Mengal was killed by FC personnel in Nokundi.
- Protests demanding justice are ongoing.
- The BYC claims this is part of a pattern of Baloch genocide.
- Residents are calling for international support against human rights violations.
- Forced disappearances in Balochistan continue to rise.
Quetta, July 19 (NationPress) In response to the tragic death of a Baloch youth due to indiscriminate fire from Pakistan's Frontier Corps (FC) personnel in Nokundi city, local residents organized a sit-in protest, blocking traffic. This information was reported by the human rights group Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) on Saturday.
The incident occurred amidst a rising trend of human rights abuses in the region.
The BYC confirmed that Shadir Mengal was killed instantly during the shooting, highlighting that he was merely an ordinary laborer and the primary provider for his family.
Family and friends of the deceased have laid his body on the road, initiating a protest sit-in to demand that legal actions be taken against the FC personnel responsible, vowing to continue the protest until justice is achieved.
The BYC stated, “In recent years, numerous young men have been targeted by FC gunfire. Previously, individuals such as Hayat Baloch and Shoaib Baloch in Turbat, Ehsan Baloch in Mastung, Hameedullah Baloch in Chaghi, and Ehtisham Baloch in Panjgur—among many others—have lost their lives in similar circumstances without any wrongdoing.”
“Victims' families have yet to see justice in these cases. The unchecked violence perpetrated by the FC is indicative of a systematic plan to commit Baloch genocide. State institutions not only shield the perpetrators but also deny accountability at every stage,” the BYC added.
Nokundi residents urged various human rights organizations and journalists to join the protest, emphasizing the need to raise awareness against state oppression.
Furthermore, in a chilling continuation of forced disappearances, the Baloch National Movement's Human Rights Department, Paank, reported data from July 5 to July 17.
According to Paank, five individuals were forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces during this period, including Adnan Baloch from Kharan, Haider Baloch from Gwadar, Raza Muhammad from Awaran, Nadeem Baloch, and Waris Haider from Kech. These instances unveil a concerning trend of extrajudicial abductions, targeting civilians without due process,” stated Paank.
The human rights organization condemned the ongoing enforced disappearances and called upon the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for these severe human rights violations.