What Happened to the Two Baloch Youths Amid Enforced Disappearances?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, two Baloch youths have been forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces, reigniting concerns over ongoing human rights violations in Balochistan. This article delves into the details of their abduction and the larger implications for the Baloch community amidst a climate of fear and repression.
Key Takeaways
- Two Baloch youths have been forcibly disappeared by state forces.
- Systematic abductions highlight a cycle of impunity in Balochistan.
- Protests erupted across Balochistan in response to extrajudicial killings.
- Human rights organizations call for global awareness and action.
- The Baloch community continues to seek justice and recognition.
Quetta, July 4 (NationPress) A well-known Baloch human rights organization disclosed on Friday that two Baloch youths were forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces from their homes in the Hub Chowki district of Balochistan, amidst an ongoing crisis of enforced disappearances throughout the province.
Liaquat Mustafa, the son of Ghulam Mustafa and a resident of Mashkai, was abducted during a late-night raid on July 3. His father, Ghulam Mustafa, also fell victim to enforced disappearance on January 15, 2016, and remains unaccounted for to this day,” stated a report from Paank, the Human Rights Department of the Baloch National Movement.
“In a similar vein, Umar Atta, son of Atta Baloch and another Mashkai resident, was abducted under comparable circumstances. He had previously been forcibly disappeared in 2016 and showed signs of physical and psychological torture upon his release,” the report added.
The rights organization vehemently condemned these ongoing and systematic abductions by Pakistani forces, asserting that the targeting of individuals and families over the years underscores the persistent cycle of enforced disappearances and impunity in Balochistan.
Simultaneously, a complete shutter-down strike was observed on Friday in various regions of Balochistan, including Chaghi, Nokundi, and Dalbandin, at the behest of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). This strike was a protest against the extrajudicial killing of Baloch youth Zeeshan Zaheer by state-backed death squads.
“Zeeshan's father has been a victim of enforced disappearance since 2015. Instead of ensuring his father’s safe return, the state returned Zeeshan’s body — extrajudicially killed. We strongly reject the state’s ongoing atrocities against the Baloch people. These are not isolated incidents, but part of a systematic campaign of Baloch genocide. We pledge to uncover the war crimes being perpetrated in Balochistan,” stated the BYC on Thursday.
On Thursday, the BYC organized a peaceful march through Lyari in Karachi to protest the extrajudicial killing of Zeeshan Zaheer. The human rights organization reported that even before the march could commence, it was forcibly interrupted by Sindh Police.
According to the BYC, Amna Baloch, along with three other male protestors, was arrested on-site. They were subsequently released following widespread condemnation from various human rights organizations regarding the unlawful detention.
“This is not the first occasion that BYC's peaceful demonstrations in Karachi have faced state repression. Sindh Police have consistently targeted and obstructed our democratic right to protest,” the BYC stated.
Numerous human rights organizations in Balochistan have repeatedly highlighted the repression by Pakistani forces, which includes violent raids on the residences of Baloch leaders and civilians, unlawful arrests, enforced disappearances, the 'kill and dump' policy, detention under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, and the filing of fabricated police cases.
Point of View
It is imperative to highlight the ongoing struggle for human rights in Balochistan. The repeated incidents of enforced disappearances and systemic repression call for urgent attention and action. It is crucial that we stand by the Baloch community and advocate for their right to justice and dignity.
NationPress
17/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are enforced disappearances?
Enforced disappearances occur when individuals are abducted or imprisoned by state forces or organizations and their whereabouts are concealed, often violating international human rights laws.
Who are the Baloch?
The Baloch are an ethnic group primarily found in Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, with a rich cultural heritage and a long history of seeking autonomy and rights within their regions.
What actions can the international community take?
The international community can pressure the Pakistani government to address human rights violations, support investigations into disappearances, and advocate for the protection of the Baloch people's rights.
How has the Baloch community responded?
The Baloch community has protested against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, organized peaceful demonstrations, and sought international support to bring attention to their plight.
What is the role of human rights organizations?
Human rights organizations play a critical role in documenting abuses, raising awareness, and advocating for justice for victims of enforced disappearances and other human rights violations.
