Human Rights Group Claims Nine Baloch Civilians Disappeared by Pakistani Forces
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Key Takeaways
Quetta, March 3 (NationPress) A prominent human rights organization has reported that at least nine Baloch civilians were subjected to forcible disappearances by Pakistani security forces in the region of Balochistan on Tuesday.
These recent occurrences occur amid a disturbing trend of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings throughout the province.
The Human Rights Department of the Baloch National Movement (Paank) disclosed that a 17-year-old student, Shoaib Ahmed Qambrani, from the Killi Qambrani area of provincial capital Quetta, was taken by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) from his residence.
On the same day, 45-year-old businessman Rahim Bakhsh was reportedly abducted by personnel from the Frontier Corps (FC) at his home in the Minaz area of Kech district.
Additionally, the rights organization emphasized that four other Baloch youths were forcibly taken from their homes in Minaz on Monday.
The individuals identified include 17-year-old Ali Ahmad, 19-year-old Yasir, 17-year-old Asif, and 18-year-old Abdul Rehman.
Paank also reported that two brothers, Zakria and Rehan, were abducted on February 26 during a raid by FC and CTD in their home located in Turbat city, Kech.
Moreover, 18-year-old student Saddam was allegedly subjected to enforced disappearance by the CTD from Brewery Road in Quetta on February 16.
Recently, the Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) voiced serious concerns over the increasing violence in Balochistan, attributed to both Pakistani forces and non-state actors.
According to HRCB, on February 25, unidentified assailants executed a horrific attack in the Minaz area of Kech, resulting in the deaths of six individuals and injuries to three others, including women and children.
The rights organization revealed that the attackers reportedly fired mortar shells at Abdul Hameed's residence before unleashing heavy gunfire on those inside. They also set ablaze three vehicles parked at the property.
“The killing of innocent civilians, particularly women and children, is a serious violation of fundamental human rights and humanitarian principles. No political goal or security rationale can justify such actions,” stated the HRCB.
Balochistan continues to suffer from relentless atrocities committed by Pakistani forces, characterized by a surge in forcible disappearances and extrajudicial killings of Baloch civilians at an alarming rate.