Balochistan: Pakistan Army-Backed Death Squad Abducts Baloch Woman

QUETTA: A major protest has erupted in Khuzdar following the forcible abduction of Asma Jattak Baloch by a government-backed armed group linked to former Balochistan Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri.

The abduction, which took place last night, has sparked outrage among local residents, who have staged a sit-in on the main RCD road, blocking traffic for the past 12 hours.

The protest has grown larger throughout the day, with more people from surrounding areas joining in solidarity to demand justice for the victim and the arrest of the culprits.

According to reports, the group raided a house in the Police Line area in Zehri region of Khuzdar around 1 AM, subjecting the women, children, and other family members to violence. During the raid, one of the women, Asma Jattak Baloch, was forcibly abducted and taken away by the armed men. The victims have accused Rahim Bakhsh, the deputy of Sanaullah Zehri, of orchestrating the attack.

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee Khuzdar Zone has strongly condemned the inhuman act and expressed full solidarity with the affected family. A spokesperson for the committee demanded the immediate recovery of the abducted woman and called for strict action against all those involved in the incident.

Protesters have vowed to continue their sit-in until their demands are met, with the blockade of the Karachi-Quetta highway now affecting vehicular traffic.

“We demand justice for the victim, and we will not stop until the authorities take action,” said protest organisers. “The abduction of innocent people, particularly women, by government-backed death squads must end.”

The protest has drawn attention to the broader issue of enforced disappearances in Balochistan, with several government-backed armed groups, also known as death squads, operating in the region.

These groups are infamous for their involvement in targeted killings, abductions, and the drug trade, and are often linked to political factions supported by the Pakistani army.

It is worth noting that this same criminal group was responsible for the targeted killing of Asma Jattak Baloch’s fiancé in the past, adding to the deep trauma and grief experienced by the affected family.

Despite widespread calls for action, the authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. As the sit-in continues, protesters are urging local communities to rise up against the injustice and demand accountability for those responsible.