What Are the Recent Human Rights Abuses in Balochistan?
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Synopsis
A recent report from a leading Baloch human rights group reveals alarming trends of human rights violations in Balochistan. With 123 enforced disappearances and 26 killings reported in August, the situation calls for urgent attention. How are these violations impacting the lives of the local population? Read on to uncover the details.
Key Takeaways
- 123 enforced disappearances reported in August.
- 26 killings occurred, primarily by security forces.
- Quetta and Kech had the highest abduction rates.
- Significant involvement of military and intelligence agencies.
- Internet shutdowns and Section 144 imposed across Balochistan.
Quetta, Sep 29 (NationPress) A prominent Baloch human rights organization reported on Monday that there have been significant violations of human rights throughout Balochistan, documenting 123 enforced disappearances and 26 killings attributed to Pakistan-backed death squads and security forces during August.
The Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) revealed that in August 2025, there were 123 recorded instances of enforced disappearances. Out of these, 106 individuals remain unaccounted for, 12 were released, and five were extrajudicially killed while in custody.
The report specified that Quetta had the highest number of abductions with 27 cases, followed by Kech with 25 cases and Dera Bugti with 15 cases. Gwadar had nine cases, Awaran eight, and Karachi seven. Nushki and Panjgur each recorded five cases, while Dalbandin, Khuzdar, and Washuk reported three cases each. Chagai, Hub, Lasbela, and Kharan had two cases each. Single instances were documented in Punjab, Barkhan, Mastung, Kalat, and Harnai,” emphasizing the widespread issue of enforced disappearances across Pakistan.
The report further noted that 81 instances occurred during house raids, while 36 individuals were taken from public spaces including streets, shops, and offices under the guise of detention. Three individuals were seized from checkpoints, and another three were summoned to military camps and subsequently disappeared.
The HRCB attributed 60 abduction cases to Pakistan's Frontier Corps (FC), with intelligence agencies linked to 33 cases and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) responsible for 28 abductions, while two cases were ascribed to death squads.
During the same timeframe in August, 26 individuals, comprising 24 men and two women, lost their lives, primarily at the hands of Pakistan-backed death squads and security forces. The report also mentioned extensive internet and mobile service shutdowns, along with the enforcement of Section 144 throughout the province.
“Most of these incidents stemmed from targeted attacks, with nine cases documented. Five bodies were discovered, and four individuals were killed while in custody. Additionally, four cases were connected to honor-related killings. Furthermore, two fatalities occurred during encounters, one was a result of mortar shelling, and another was due to indiscriminate gunfire,” the report emphasized.
According to the HRCB, Kech had the highest death toll among Balochistan’s districts, with 10 killings, followed by Panjgur and Washuk, each recording four cases. Kachhi, Khuzdar, and Naseerabad had two cases each, while Awaran and Kharan documented one case each.
Point of View
Our stance remains steadfast in advocating for the rights of individuals. The report highlights serious human rights violations that cannot be ignored. We must stand with the people of Balochistan, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected.
NationPress
29/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main findings of the HRCB report?
The HRCB report documented 123 enforced disappearances and 26 killings in Balochistan during August, primarily attributed to Pakistan-backed death squads and security forces.
What regions in Balochistan are most affected?
Quetta, Kech, Dera Bugti, and Panjgur are among the regions with the highest cases of abductions and killings.
Who is responsible for these human rights violations?
The report links the majority of abductions to Pakistan's Frontier Corps, intelligence agencies, and the Counter Terrorism Department.
What measures were implemented in response to these incidents?
The report noted widespread internet and mobile service shutdowns, alongside the enforcement of Section 144 across Balochistan.
How are local communities reacting to these violations?
Local communities are increasingly alarmed and concerned about their safety and the ongoing disappearances and killings.
