Why Was a Young Lawyer from Balochistan Unlawfully Detained?
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Synopsis
In a shocking incident from Quetta, a young lawyer has been unlawfully detained by security forces, raising serious concerns about the safety of educated professionals in Pakistan. Human rights organizations are calling for his immediate release amidst escalating violence against civilians in Balochistan.
Key Takeaways
- Hakeem Baloch has been unlawfully detained by security agencies.
- His detention raises concerns about enforced disappearances in Pakistan.
- Human rights organizations demand his immediate release.
- There’s a rising trend of violence against educators and activists in Balochistan.
- The plight of civilians in the region is alarming and requires urgent attention.
Quetta, July 24 (NationPress) A young lawyer hailing from the Balochistan province has been unlawfully detained by Pakistan's Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and intelligence agencies after being taken from his home in Quetta, a prominent human rights organization reported on Thursday.
According to Paank, the Human Rights Department of the Baloch National Movement, Hakeem Baloch was forcibly taken by CTD personnel and intelligence agents from his residence on Brewery Road in front of his family members during the early hours of Thursday.
The human rights organization has urgently called for the immediate and unconditional release of the young lawyer, whose current whereabouts in the provincial capital remain unknown.
Condemning this unlawful act, another rights group, Baloch Voice for Justice, stated that "the forced disappearance of Hakeem, a promising young lawyer from Quetta, underlines the disturbing reality that even educated professionals are not immune to enforced disappearances".
Nadia Baloch, sister of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) Central Organizer Mahrang Baloch, expressed her disbelief over the event, emphasizing that no one is secure in Pakistan, not even those who uphold the law.
"It is incredibly disturbing to learn that Advocate Hakeem Baloch was subjected to enforced disappearance from Quetta last night. No one is safe from the state's wrath, not even those who uphold the law of this nation. We are witnessing a dramatic rise in enforced disappearances following the illegal detention of Mahrang Baloch and other BYC leaders since March 22," Nadia posted on X.
"Hakeem is a recent law graduate and practicing lawyer. His only 'offense' is that he is Baloch, educated, and outspoken regarding Baloch rights. He has actively defended Baloch rights activists and political workers, aspiring to utilize his legal education to advocate for Baloch rights within the legal framework. A whole generation of educated Baloch is now facing the repercussions of state repression. The lawyer community must support Hakeem. Today it's him; tomorrow it could be someone else," the post further stated.
Meanwhile, the BYC disclosed that another Baloch youth, Noor Khan, has also fallen victim to enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killing by a Pakistan-backed death squad.
The BYC emphasized that mere hours after Noor's enforced disappearance on July 21 by state death squads in the Jhal Jahoo area of the Awaran district of Balochistan, his bullet-riddled body was found in the same region.
"Noor Khan's killing, like many others in the area, illustrates the increasing violence and impunity with which Pakistan's military and intelligence-backed militias operate in Balochistan. The systematic targeting of peaceful civilians has intensified, exacerbating the trauma of Baloch people who are already besieged by enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings," the BYC expressed, raising alarms.
Point of View
We stand firmly with the principles of justice and human rights. The unlawful detention of Hakeem Baloch is a distressing indicator of the challenges faced by those advocating for legal rights in Pakistan. It is imperative that we hold authorities accountable and ensure that the voices of the oppressed are heard.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Hakeem Baloch?
Hakeem Baloch, a young lawyer from Balochistan, was unlawfully detained by Pakistan's Counter-Terrorism Department and intelligence agencies from his home in Quetta.
Why is Hakeem Baloch's detention significant?
His detention highlights the alarming trend of enforced disappearances in Pakistan, affecting not only activists but also educated professionals.
What are human rights organizations saying?
Human rights groups are calling for Hakeem's immediate and unconditional release, emphasizing the dangers faced by those advocating for Baloch rights.
Is enforced disappearance a common issue in Balochistan?
Yes, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings have been reported frequently in Balochistan, creating a culture of fear among civilians.
Who else is affected by these issues?
Other individuals, including Noor Khan, have also fallen victim to enforced disappearances and killings, reflecting a broader pattern of state repression.
