Five Civilians in Balochistan Reportedly Disappeared by Pakistani Forces
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Quetta, Feb 24 (NationPress) According to leading human rights organizations, Pakistani forces have forcibly disappeared at least five civilians in Balochistan. This alarming trend occurs amidst a rising tide of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in the region.
The Baloch National Movement's Human Rights Department reported the case of Ghulam Sarwar, a 33-year-old laborer from the Abdullah Bizenjo Goth locality in Hub district, who was taken away on February 21 by the Pakistani Army and Military Intelligence.
Amir Baloch, a 24-year-old student, was also forcibly disappeared on February 19 from the Killi Qasum Khan area in Chaghi district by the Pakistani military.
Additionally, two brothers, Saadullah and Lal Jan, were taken during a raid by the Pakistan Army at their home on February 18 in the Kuhado Jahoo area of Awaran district.
Another rights organization, Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ), highlighted the case of Danial Nasir, a graduate of the Governance and Public Policy Department at the National University of Modern Languages in Karachi, who was forcibly disappeared on February 16.
BVJ remarked, "An educated youth with aspirations in public service has been taken without legal justification. His case underscores a disturbing pattern where Baloch students are targeted, silenced, and stripped of their basic rights."
"Enforced disappearance is a serious violation of law and human dignity. Families seek answers, and students deserve safety. Authorities must reveal his location and ensure his prompt release. This cycle of impunity must be halted," BVJ further stated.
In the midst of increasing violence in Balochistan, two women lost their lives, and three others were injured when Pakistani forces opened fire on a vehicle in the Phul Abad area, according to local media. Eyewitnesses reported that the vehicle was carrying Afghan nationals attempting to reach Iran.
Reports indicate that additional individuals present at the scene were detained by Pakistani forces.
The deceased women and the injured individuals were transported to a nearby hospital, where the wounded are receiving medical attention.
Balochistan continues to suffer from relentless atrocities perpetrated by Pakistani authorities, who allegedly enable death squads in the area to conduct enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and illegal detentions of Baloch citizens.