What Happened to the Students Forcibly Disappeared by Pakistani Forces in Balochistan?
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Synopsis
The troubling pattern of enforced disappearances in Balochistan continues, as Pakistani security forces target students. With alarming rates of abductions and a stark human rights crisis unfolding, calls for international intervention are growing. The plight of these young individuals highlights the urgent need for global attention and accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Enforced disappearances in Balochistan are escalating.
- Pakistani security forces are the primary perpetrators.
- Human rights organizations are calling for international intervention.
- Many victims are students and young individuals.
- The situation highlights a broader human rights crisis in the region.
Quetta, Oct 23 (NationPress) A minimum of three students have been forcibly disappeared by Pakistani security forces in Balochistan, as reported by a prominent human rights organization on Thursday.
This latest occurrence emerges during a worsening human rights crisis, characterized by a rise in enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture throughout the province.
The human rights organization Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ) indicated that in the early morning hours of Thursday, Pakistani forces conducted a raid on the residence of Abdul Wahid in the Baloch Abad region and abducted three students. The victims have been identified as Haroon Baloch, Hamood, and Fahad Baloch, with Haroon and Hamood being brothers.
Condemning this act of collective punishment against innocent students, the BVJ stated, “The ongoing abduction of Baloch youth underscores the deepening human rights crisis in Balochistan.”
The rights group has urged the United Nations and international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, to intervene and advocate for the safe recovery of all individuals who have been disappeared.
The BVJ also reported that on October 19, five additional Baloch students—Hameed Ullah, Bawal Khan, Jahangir, Ahmed Shah, and Nimat Ullah—were forcibly disappeared by security forces in the Kharan district of Balochistan.
Expressing profound concern over the alarming instances of enforced disappearances, the rights organization condemned the persistent targeting of Baloch students.
On Wednesday, Paank, the Human Rights Department of the Baloch National Movement, announced that three more Baloch civilians were victims of enforced disappearance at the hands of Pakistani forces in Balochistan.
It was highlighted that on October 16, Ayaz and Imdad, residents of the Awaran district, were forcibly disappeared by the Pakistan Army. Both were summoned to an army camp and have since been detained, with their whereabouts remaining unknown.
Additionally, on October 20, a 16-year-old Baloch student, Balach Baloch, was forcibly disappeared by the Pakistan Army in the Turbat region of Kech district.
The previous week, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), in its report titled “Human Rights Situation in Balochistan,” documented extensive abuses specifically attributed to the Pakistani authorities between July and August.
“The number of enforced disappearances has continued to escalate, with 182 individuals reported missing, including 80 in July and 102 in August. Out of these, 38 have been released, one was killed in custody, and 142 remain unaccounted for. The victims include 40 students, 15 minors, and one woman,” the report stated.
According to the findings, several districts in Balochistan, such as Quetta, Kech, and Awaran, have recorded the highest number of enforced disappearance cases, with Pakistan’s Frontier Corps reportedly being the primary perpetrator.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge the persistent human rights violations in Balochistan, particularly against students and young individuals. This situation calls for immediate action and international awareness to safeguard the rights of the Baloch people. The ongoing disappearances not only reflect a broader crisis but also a challenge to the principles of justice and humanity that we must uphold.
NationPress
23/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are enforced disappearances?
Enforced disappearances occur when individuals are abducted or detained by state authorities or agents, with the state denying any involvement and the individuals' whereabouts remaining unknown.
What actions have human rights organizations taken?
Human rights organizations like Baloch Voice for Justice have condemned the disappearances and called on international bodies, such as the United Nations, to intervene and advocate for the safe recovery of victims.
How many students have gone missing recently?
Recent reports indicate that several students, including at least three on October 23 and five on October 19, have been forcibly disappeared in Balochistan.
What is the international community's response?
The international community has been urged to pay attention to the human rights crisis in Balochistan, with calls for intervention from organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
What is the situation in Balochistan?
Balochistan is facing a significant human rights crisis, characterized by enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and widespread torture by state authorities.
