At least one civilian was killed and several others injured after Pakistani military forces allegedly carried out indiscriminate gunfire and heavy mortar shelling in the Jhao region of Balochistan's Awaran district on Thursday, 16 July, according to a leading human rights organisation. The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from rights groups monitoring the conflict-ridden province.

The Jhao Incident

Paank, the human rights department of the Baloch National Movement, condemned what it described as 'brutal actions' by the Pakistani military in the Jhao area. The organisation cited reports indicating that the 'unjustified and reckless' use of force resulted in multiple civilian injuries and the death of a local resident identified as Zahid.

Paank further alleged that military personnel confiscated Zahid's body and refused to return it to his family, denying them what the organisation called their 'fundamental right to mourn and perform his last rites.' The allegation, if verified, would represent a serious violation of humanitarian norms.

Rights Body's Statement

'Targeting civilian areas with heavy weaponry is a blatant violation of international human rights and humanitarian law. Furthermore, the arbitrary confiscation of a victim's body is an abhorrent practice that echoes a deeply troubling, systematic pattern of extrajudicial abuses and enforced disappearances in Balochistan,' Paank stated.

The organisation called on Pakistani authorities to uphold the country's obligations under international human rights law, and urged journalists, civil society groups, and the international community to closely monitor developments in the region.

Separate Enforced Disappearance in Quetta

In a separate incident, Paank alleged that another civilian, identified as Asif, was forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces from Eman city in the provincial capital Quetta on 13 July. According to his family, no official information has been provided about his whereabouts or condition.

'If the reported detention has occurred, the authorities must immediately disclose Asif's whereabouts, ensure he has access to his family and legal counsel, and either promptly charge him with a recognisable criminal offence and bring him before an independent court, or release him without delay,' Paank noted.

Broader Pattern in Balochistan

This comes amid a long-documented pattern of alleged extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in Balochistan, which rights groups say has intensified in recent years. Paank and other organisations have consistently flagged what they describe as 'unprecedented' levels of state violence against Baloch civilians, claims that Pakistani authorities have historically denied or disputed.

The international community, including the United Nations, has previously called on Islamabad to address enforced disappearances in the province — a demand that remains largely unaddressed, according to rights monitors. With civilian casualties mounting and families denied basic information, pressure on Pakistani authorities is expected to grow.