Human Rights Organization Reports Six Civilians Missing in Balochistan
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Quetta, April 13 (NationPress) A prominent human rights organization reported that six civilians have been forcibly disappeared in Balochistan by Pakistani military forces. These alarming incidents are part of a larger trend of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings expanding throughout the region.
Expressing serious concern regarding the widespread enforced disappearances in the Dera Bugti district, the Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ) stated, "These operations are conducted without any warrants, charges, or due process, instilling fear and insecurity among the local populace."
The individuals who have gone missing include Nabi Sher, Nabi Baksh, Usama, Meer Gul, Kareem, and Siddiq.
The BVJ highlighted that incidents of enforced disappearances in Dera Bugti have seen a notable increase in recent weeks, noting that two weeks prior, ten people were abducted and are still unlawfully detained.
Sources indicate that officials from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) are reportedly extorting large amounts of money from families for the release of their loved ones.
These actions illustrate a "prolonged pattern of coercion and impunity" that demands an immediate independent investigation.
Recently, the Baloch National Movement (BNM) initiated a global awareness campaign in the United States, aiming to shed light on Pakistan's ongoing "atrocious crimes against humanity, anti-Baloch policies, and the brutal collective punishment" inflicted upon the people of Balochistan.
On April 10, Baloch activists distributed leaflets in public areas to inform others about the dire situation in Balochistan.
The BNM's objective was to unveil the "true face" of Pakistan, its violations of human rights, and its repressive policies that have persisted for over two decades.
"Even in this modern era, these injustices are occurring under the scrutiny of the democratic world and the international community due to Pakistan's unlawful occupation. Pakistan continues to exert control over Balochistan through systematic crimes, including collective punishment of the Baloch population," the group asserted.
The BNM accused Pakistani authorities of widespread violence against Baloch civilians, claiming that individuals from all walks of life, even young children as young as seven, are not immune.
Thousands of Baloch individuals have faced enforced disappearances and are being held unlawfully by Pakistan's armed forces in undisclosed detention centers. Families of Baloch political activists and journalists are also targeted under Pakistan's persistent anti-Baloch strategies of collective punishment.