Is Pakistan-Backed Death Squad Targeting Baloch Youths?

Quetta, Aug 19 (NationPress) A young Baloch man was tragically slain in the Kech district of Balochistan by death squads allegedly supported by Pakistan, amidst increasing reports of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture across the province, according to a prominent human rights organization.

The Baloch National Movement's Human Rights Department, known as Paank, condemned this brutal killing, revealing that 22-year-old Hatim Dilpul, who lived in Tajhaban, Kech, was targeted while performing a simple task—delivering groceries and essentials to his elderly grandparents in the mountainous region.

Reports indicate that these death squads opened fire indiscriminately, leaving Hatim's body filled with bullets. His remains were later retrieved, showing evident signs of a targeted execution.

“This abhorrent act is part of a disturbing trend of threats, harassment, and intimidation that Hatim had previously suffered at the hands of the same state-backed death squads. His murder is not an isolated case but rather a continuation of a systematic campaign of extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, and collective punishment against the Baloch civilian populace, occurring with total impunity,” stated Paank.

The organization places full responsibility for this crime on Pakistan and urges international human rights organizations, the United Nations, and the global community to intervene urgently, demand accountability, and ensure justice for Adam Dilpul and numerous other victims of state-sponsored violence in Balochistan.

In another alarming incident, Paank reported that on the night of August 17, Pakistani security forces forcibly disappeared Baloch youth Mir Yousaf Ali from Karachi.

According to his father, this is not the first time tragedy has struck their family, as 15 years ago, three of Yousaf’s elder brothers and over 30 relatives were forcibly taken from the Tootak area in Khuzdar district, Balochistan, and have not been seen or heard from since.

Paank vehemently condemned the disappearance of Yousaf Ali, labeling it a blatant violation of international human rights laws and a continuation of Pakistan’s extensive war crimes in Balochistan.

Additionally, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) reported that a family of a Baloch youth, who was forcibly taken by Pakistani forces, has been conducting sit-in protests outside the Karachi Press Club for 15 consecutive days, despite heavy rainfall.

Zahid Ali, a 25-year-old International Relations student at the University of Karachi, was taken on July 17, along with his rickshaw, which he used part-time to support his family.

“This morning, despite heavy rain in Karachi, Zahid’s father, Abdul Hameed—a hepatitis patient—remained at the protest site, refusing to leave for even a moment. His only demand is the safe return of his son,” the BYC reported.

The human rights organization has called on students, civil society, media, and all concerned citizens to support Abdul Hameed and his family during this challenging time.