Pakistani forces torch civilian homes in Balochistan's Kech district
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Pakistani security forces reportedly set fire to several civilian homes during a military operation in the Tump area of Balochistan's Kech district, according to local media reports. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, has drawn sharp condemnation from Baloch civil society groups who allege a pattern of collective punishment targeting civilian populations.
What Happened in Tump
According to The Balochistan Post, citing local sources, the houses belonging to a civilian named Dad Muhammad in the Kohad area of Tump were torched during the military operation. Reports indicate this was not the first such incident — several of Dad Muhammad's properties had reportedly been raided and damaged in earlier operations as well.
Pakistani forces also reportedly carried out raids and maintained a presence in the Rodban area of Tump. Information on arrests or casualties was not immediately available.
Large-Scale Operation in Gwadar
In a separate but concurrent development, a large-scale military operation was reported in Kulanch and the adjoining mountainous areas of Gwadar district, according to The Balochistan Post. A large contingent of Pakistani forces personnel reportedly entered the area in the morning and moved towards various mountainous zones, though further details remained unavailable at the time of reporting.
Pattern of Alleged Abuse
The violence in Tump came just days after dozens of homes were reportedly set ablaze by Pakistani forces during an operation in the Gomazi area. In that incident, women, children, and elderly residents were allegedly subjected to physical abuse and intimidation, according to local reports.
The Baloch Women Forum (BWF) condemned the incidents, stating: 'These actions constitute a grave violation of fundamental human rights and represent a deeply troubling practice of collective punishment, the militarization of civilian spaces, and the erosion of the rule of law. The deliberate targeting of civilian communities, the destruction of private property, and the mistreatment of vulnerable populations constitute serious violations of human rights.'
Civil Society Condemnation
The Baloch Students Organisation (BSO)-Azad also sharply criticised the military operations, alleging that the demolition of residential houses, threats against families, and looting of assets amounted to 'an act of terror' designed to intimidate civilians. In a post on X, BSO-Azad said: 'This is a clear sign of state desperation against the legitimate Baloch Liberation Struggle; they cannot hold their forceful occupation on Baloch land, nor can they confront the legitimate Baloch struggle, so they have come up with these terror tactics.'
The organisation further called on international bodies to hold Pakistan accountable, adding: 'The concerned international organizations must make Pakistan accountable for its crimes in Balochistan.'
What Comes Next
Human rights groups and Baloch civil society organisations are expected to escalate calls for independent international scrutiny of military operations in the region. Pakistan's government has not issued a public statement in response to the reported incidents. The situation in Kech and Gwadar districts continues to be monitored by regional observers amid what critics describe as an intensifying crackdown.