Tragic Violence in Balochistan: Pakistani Forces Target Civilians
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Quetta, March 24 (NationPress) In a disturbing continuation of violence against civilians in Balochistan, a prominent human rights organization has reported the extrajudicial execution of one civilian and the forced disappearance of another in Panjgur district, attributed to Pakistani forces.
The Baloch National Movement's Human Rights Department, Paank, revealed that 24-year-old driver Abdullah Baloch was killed in a targeted shooting on March 20 in the Chitkan area, executed by a Pakistan-supported death squad.
Condemning this horrific act, the organization characterized it as indicative of a "wider and concerning trend of violence in Balochistan, where enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and civilian intimidation persist without repercussions."
They highlighted that young men in the province, especially from Panjgur, are particularly vulnerable.
"The death of Abdullah Baloch raises significant alarms about the rule of law and the safeguarding of essential human rights in the area. His passing not only robs a family of their son and provider but also exacerbates the atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the local populace," Paank remarked.
The organization called on global human rights entities to swiftly investigate this incident and maintain vigilant oversight of the situation in Balochistan. They urged the United Nations and other international human rights organizations to acknowledge the ongoing violence in the province and the role of Pakistan-backed groups.
Reaffirming their commitment to documenting human rights abuses in Balochistan and elevating the voices of victims and their families, Paank asserted, "Justice for Abdullah Baloch is imperative—not only for his family but also for upholding the ideals of human dignity, accountability, and the rule of law in the region."
In addition to the killing, the organization disclosed that a 19-year-old student, also named Abdullah, was forcibly vanished by death squads in the Washbod area of Panjgur on March 21.
"This event is part of a troubling and persistent trend of enforced disappearances in Balochistan, where students, youth, and civilians are frequently targeted without legal process," Paank emphasized.
The organization declared that this act constitutes "a serious infringement of fundamental human rights, including the rights to liberty, security, and protection against arbitrary detention as recognized in international human rights law."
"Enforced disappearances not only affect the individuals involved but also cause enduring psychological trauma for their families and communities," they stressed.