Is There Another Enforced Disappearance of a Civilian in Balochistan Amid Rising Violence?
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Synopsis
In Balochistan, the alarming trend of enforced disappearances continues, with a new case reported involving a nursing student allegedly abducted by Pakistani forces. As human rights organizations raise their voices against these atrocities, the plight of civilians, particularly women, remains dire, demanding urgent attention and accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Enforced disappearances of civilians continue in Balochistan.
- Mehran Baloch, an 18-year-old nursing student, was abducted.
- Human rights organizations demand justice and accountability.
- Women in Balochistan face significant risks and abuses.
- Media portrayal often contributes to public vilification.
Quetta, Jan 17 (NationPress) As violence directed at civilians remains rampant in Balochistan, a prominent human rights organization has sounded the alarm regarding the enforced disappearance of another Baloch youth, reportedly at the hands of Pakistani forces.
According to local sources, Paank, the Human Rights Department of the Baloch National Movement, reported that 18-year-old Mehran Baloch, a nursing student from the Kaleero area in the Kech district, was forcibly taken on January 15.
During the incident, the rights organization stated, Mehran was completing his nursing training at the Kech hospital when armed personnel linked to Pakistan’s intelligence agencies apprehended him and transported him to an undisclosed location. Since Mehran's abduction, his family has endured distress, with no information concerning his location or safety.
“This occurrence signifies the continuing trend of enforced disappearances in Balochistan, where students and civilians are persistently targeted without consequences,” Paank asserted.
The Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) also underscored the violations against civilians, including women in Balochistan. On Friday, they noted that two Baloch women, Mahal Baloch and Pari Gul, were acquitted by the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Quetta on January 15, after enduring over three years of “unfounded” prosecution, revealing the collapse of fabricated terrorism charges by Pakistani authorities.
According to the HRCB, Mahal Baloch faced enforced disappearance, custodial abuse, and coercion into a fabricated media confession following a raid by Pakistan’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) at her residence in Quetta’s Satellite Town in February 2023.
“Senior CTD officials and uncritical media coverage amplified false assertions, leading to a media trial that breached due process and inflicted severe psychological trauma on her and her young children,” the rights organization noted.
“This situation exemplifies a broader misuse of counterterrorism laws aimed at targeting Baloch women through baseless allegations and public defamation, while the perpetrators remain unpunished. Numerous Baloch women and girls are still forcibly missing,” they added.
The HRCB has called for a thorough independent judicial inquiry, accountability for all involved officials, compensation and rehabilitation for Pari Gul, Mahal Baloch, and her children, along with the immediate revelation of the status of all forcibly disappeared Baloch women.
Point of View
We remain committed to highlighting the significant human rights concerns in Balochistan. The ongoing enforced disappearances and the treatment of civilians, especially women, require immediate scrutiny. Our focus is on advocating for justice and accountability to ensure that the voices of the affected are heard and respected.
NationPress
17/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recent incident reported in Balochistan?
A young nursing student named Mehran Baloch was reportedly abducted by armed personnel linked to Pakistani intelligence agencies.
What does the Human Rights Council of Balochistan say about the treatment of women?
They highlight that women, such as Mahal Baloch, have faced enforced disappearances and abuse, often under the pretense of counterterrorism.
What are the calls to action from human rights organizations?
They demand an independent judicial inquiry, accountability, and immediate disclosure of the whereabouts of all forcibly disappeared individuals.
How has the media contributed to these issues in Balochistan?
Media coverage has often amplified false claims, leading to trials in the court of public opinion that violate due process.
What is the significance of these events in Balochistan?
These incidents reflect a broader pattern of human rights violations where civilians are targeted without accountability.
