Why Are Rights Bodies Condemning the Mass Disappearance of Civilians in Balochistan by Pakistani Forces?
Synopsis
Recent reports reveal alarming instances of forced disappearances targeting Baloch civilians by Pakistani forces. This issue raises significant human rights concerns, prompting organizations to call for accountability and protection for vulnerable populations, particularly students and youth. The ongoing violations reflect a disturbing trend that demands immediate attention.
Key Takeaways
Fourteen Baloch civilians forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces.
Human rights organizations express grave concerns over enforced disappearances.
Targeted individuals include students and youths, particularly in urban areas.
Calls for immediate disclosure of detainees' whereabouts and legal proceedings.
This trend reflects a broader issue of lawlessness and intimidation in Balochistan.
Quetta, Feb 14 (NationPress) Recent reports from prominent human rights organizations indicate that at least fourteen Baloch civilians have been forcibly taken by Pakistani forces in Balochistan.
On Saturday, Paank, the Human Rights Department of the Baloch National Movement, revealed that a 23-year-old named Zulfiqar from the Tasp area in Panjgur district was abducted on Friday by an armed group allegedly supported by Pakistan.
This rights organization also raised alarms regarding the unlawful disappearance of Zakir Noor, a student from Panjgur, who was taken by military personnel in Karachi on December 30.
According to Paank, Zakir was detained without a warrant, legal justification, or due process, leaving his current situation unknown and life in jeopardy.
“Such actions represent a severe infringement of fundamental human rights, particularly the right to be free from arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance as per international law,” the organization stated.
Paank expressed grave concern over the ongoing trend of enforced disappearances that particularly affect Baloch students and youth throughout Pakistan, especially in urban regions like Karachi.
Additionally, the rights group Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ) condemned the enforced disappearance of multiple family members on February 8 during a midnight operation conducted by Pakistani forces in the Gulshan Amir Abad area of Hub district.
As reported by BVJ, Pakistani security forces detained four brothers—Abdul Rab, Muhammad Rahim, Abdul Razzaq, and Abdul Malik—along with their sons Shahzaib, Jahangir, Noroz, and Shah Mir.
Moreover, it was reported that Pakistani authorities also apprehended another Baloch civilian, Dad Shah, from Hub.
According to family accounts, women and children experienced violence during the raid.
“This trend of collective punishment illustrates a persistent policy of intimidation and lawlessness in Balochistan. Enforced disappearance is a significant violation of international human rights law. We demand immediate disclosure of their whereabouts and for them to be presented in court. Silence from state institutions only exacerbates the crisis and undermines public faith,” BVJ stated.
Highlighting the ongoing atrocities in Balochistan, the rights organization reported the enforced disappearances of three Baloch youths—Ghalib, Afzal, and Yasir Lehri.
As stated by BVJ, on February 9, agents from Pakistan’s Frontier Corps and Secret Service conducted a raid in Allangi Mashkai, Awaran district, forcibly disappearing Ghalib, a student who had returned from Quetta to attend a family wedding.
In another incident on February 10, Yasir Lehri, a 26-year-old police constable and photographer, was abducted by Pakistani Military Intelligence (MI) and the Frontier Corps (FC) from Mughalzai Main RCD Road in Kalat district. Moreover, on January 29, Afzal, a 22-year-old driver from the Turbat area, was taken from his residence by the FC and MI.
“We vehemently denounce these unlawful actions. Enforced disappearance constitutes a serious violation of human rights and international law,” BVJ asserted.
Point of View
It is imperative to highlight the alarming trend of enforced disappearances in Balochistan. This rising issue necessitates a commitment to human rights and justice. Our reporting aims to bring attention to these violations, advocating for the protection and dignity of all individuals involved, while maintaining a focus on facts and accountability.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are enforced disappearances?
Enforced disappearances refer to the act of secretly abducting individuals by state or state-supported entities, often without legal justification or due process.
What is the Baloch National Movement?
The Baloch National Movement is a political organization advocating for the rights and autonomy of the Baloch people in Pakistan.
How can enforced disappearances be addressed?
Addressing enforced disappearances requires international pressure, legal accountability for perpetrators, and a commitment to human rights by the state.
What rights are being violated in these cases?
These cases violate fundamental human rights, including the right to liberty, security, and protection from arbitrary detention under international law.
What can individuals do to help?
Individuals can raise awareness, support human rights organizations, and advocate for policies that protect vulnerable populations from enforced disappearances.
