Is Balochistan Facing a Severe Humanitarian Crisis Amid Military Operations?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Severe humanitarian crisis reported in Balochistan due to military operations.
- Curfews and restrictions have limited civilian movement.
- Food, water, and medical shortages are prevalent.
- Human rights organizations demand urgent action.
- Media coverage is largely absent, raising concerns.
Quetta, Oct 4 (NationPress) A prominent human rights organization claimed on Saturday that the ongoing military operations by the Pakistan Army in the Zehri region of Balochistan have resulted in a critical humanitarian and human rights crisis over the past week.
The Baloch National Movement's Human Rights Department, known as Paank, reported that the Khuzdar district has been effectively besieged, with a strict curfew established and civilian movements severely limited.
Villages such as Nicharah, Pandran, Khumbi, and Balbal are facing dire conditions, with locals experiencing shortages of food, clean water, and necessary medical care. The military presence and restrictions have exacerbated the already critical situation.
Paank highlighted the alarming lack of media coverage, noting that no relief efforts have been initiated in the region despite the urgent needs.
The organization criticized the Pakistani government for its inadequate response, deeming it a violation of both international humanitarian and human rights laws.
They demanded immediate humanitarian assistance, medical support, and restoration of civilian access to essential resources, alongside a transparent inquiry into the crisis. The group also urged both national and international human rights organizations to take prompt action to safeguard civilian lives and hold responsible parties accountable.
Earlier, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) reported that civilians have been targeted during the ongoing military operations in Zehri.
According to their findings, bombardments have led to civilian casualties, with two elderly women among the victims, while numerous families have been displaced, living under constant fear. The destruction of homes, crops, water sources, and solar power systems threatens the survival of the local populace.
The BYC emphasized that the entire area is under siege, with all routes blocked. Supplies of food, water, and medical provisions have been cut off, hospitals are lacking doctors and basic care, and communication networks have been suspended.
As reported, a curfew was imposed earlier this week, leading to severe violence against women, children, and the elderly during house raids.
“These events are not isolated; they represent systematic human rights violations and potential war crimes. A complete media blackout has been enforced, obstructing relief efforts to hide the truth. Such actions are utterly unacceptable. Targeting civilians, demolishing essential infrastructure, and hindering humanitarian aid are clear violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws,” the BYC asserted.