What Are the Human Rights Violations Occurring in Balochistan?

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What Are the Human Rights Violations Occurring in Balochistan?

Synopsis

Human rights groups are alarmed by the rising violence and repression faced by civilians in Balochistan. With reports of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, the plight of victims like Mahrang Baloch and others underscores the urgent need for international intervention. As advocacy for justice grows, will the global community finally take notice?

Key Takeaways

  • Balochistan is facing a serious human rights crisis.
  • Reports of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings are increasing.
  • Activists like Mahrang Baloch are advocating for justice.
  • International organizations are being urged to intervene.
  • The academic environment is at risk of becoming a site of fear.

Balochistan, June 17 (NationPress) Human rights organizations have once again criticized Pakistan for its ongoing repression in Balochistan, highlighting a pattern of violent assaults on civilians, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings by security forces as indicators of escalating lawlessness in the region.

Numerous political factions and activists from Balochistan have raised their voices against the enforced disappearances and unlawful detentions. Among them is Mahrang Baloch, who, along with many others, has been apprehended by Pakistani forces and reportedly subjected to torture while incarcerated.

The Paank, the human rights division of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), issued a vigorous condemnation regarding recent events in Tump, Kech, and Chitkan city in Panjgur, Balochistan, where armed individuals allegedly attacked residential properties and attempted abductions, with local police declining to file official reports.

"Between June 13 and 16, armed men targeted residences in Tump, Kech, and Chitkan city, Panjgur. In Tump, hand grenades were launched at the homes of Shafiq and Mohammad Hayat, resulting in injuries to a woman and property damage. In Panjgur, Nisar Ahmed was assaulted during an attempted abduction, and police refused to register a First Information Report (FIR) despite the family's complaint," stated the rights group.

The organization also brought attention to the case of Sohail Ahmed, son of Zaheer Ahmed, who was reportedly abducted on June 12 from Kharan by Pakistani military forces.

"This act of enforced disappearance represents yet another significant infringement of human rights and international law," Paank declared.

In another disturbing incident, Paank reported the extrajudicial killing of Salam Haider, a resident of Gwadar and originally from Dasht, Kech. His remains were allegedly returned to the family under strict conditions that prohibited them from viewing the body or conducting traditional last rites.

"The family suspects he was tortured," the organization noted.

Furthermore, the Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ) expressed deep concern regarding the rising number of Baloch students being abducted by Pakistani authorities.

In a strongly worded statement, BVJ cited the case of Nasir Qambrani, who was forcibly disappeared from Quetta on March 17, with his current whereabouts still unknown after more than 90 days.

"Assaulting students based on their identity or peaceful expression undermines individual liberty and hampers the intellectual and social growth of the entire nation," BVJ emphasized, referencing Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which safeguards the right to education.

The organization urged global entities such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and UNESCO to intervene and compel the Pakistani government to cease its repression.

"The academic environment must remain a haven for thoughts, discussions, and education, rather than a ground of fear and suppression," BVJ added.

The ongoing human rights crisis in Balochistan has intensified calls for international scrutiny, particularly in light of persistent allegations of torture, illegal detentions, and violent crackdowns on dissent.

Despite Islamabad's repeated denials, rights advocates and political activists assert that the pattern of abuses signifies a systematic campaign to silence the Baloch voice.

Point of View

It is crucial to emphasize that the ongoing human rights violations in Balochistan require immediate attention. The consistent reports of violence against civilians, especially students and activists, paint a troubling picture of repression. It is our duty to ensure that these voices are not silenced, and we stand in solidarity with all who seek justice and accountability.
NationPress
17/06/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is happening in Balochistan regarding human rights?
Balochistan is experiencing a significant human rights crisis, marked by violent attacks on civilians, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings by state forces.
Who are the key activists mentioned in the reports?
Activists like Mahrang Baloch have been highlighted for their vocal opposition against enforced disappearances and unlawful detentions in the region.
What do human rights organizations want from the international community?
Organizations like Baloch Voice for Justice are calling for global bodies such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch to intervene and pressure the Pakistani government to halt its repression.