Extrajudicial Killings in Balochistan: Two More Civilians Lose Their Lives
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Quetta, February 26 (NationPress) – Pakistani forces have reportedly extrajudicially executed two more civilians in Balochistan, as stated by a prominent human rights organization on Thursday.
This alarming development is part of an escalating trend of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances throughout the province.
The human rights group, Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), disclosed that the tortured body of Nasram Baloch was discovered on Thursday in the Makseen Nadi area. He had been missing for one and a half years, and his remains showed evident signs of extreme abuse.
As per the rights organization, Nasram, hailing from the Buleda region in Kech district, was initially abducted by Pakistani forces on October 12, 2023. He was released on June 13, 2024, after his family organized protests demanding his return.
During his time in captivity, he endured severe torture and mistreatment, resulting in hepatitis and lasting physical injuries.
However, just months later, on August 8, 2024, Nasram was abducted again from his Buleda home when armed assailants invaded, tormenting his mother and sister before taking him.
In another instance highlighting the civilian plight in Balochistan, the BYC confirmed that the disfigured body of Awais Baloch was found at the Civil Hospital in Panjgur district on February 24, merely a day after he was forcibly disappeared.
The rights organization stated that Awais, a student, was taken from his home in Panjgur on February 23.
“This is not merely an isolated case; it reflects a distressing cycle of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. When those sworn to protect citizens violate the law, and when students are silenced instead of listened to, it reveals a system founded on fear, not justice,” remarked the BYC.
“Oppression will never erase a community's identity. Each injustice only reinforces the quest for dignity and truth. The cries of Baloch mothers, students, and families will not be silenced alongside their loved ones,” they added.
The BYC condemned these extrajudicial executions and urged the international community, including the United Nations, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International, to take immediate action to investigate the enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings perpetrated by Pakistani forces in Balochistan.