Balochistan: Young Shopkeeper Killed in Buleda, Rights Group Condemns Violence
BULEDA, BALOCHISTAN: A 27-year-old shopkeeper, identified as Mehran Baloch, was shot dead on May 21 by unidentified armed men in the Surap Bazaar area of Buleda in Kech district, Balochistan, according to local reports and statements issued by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC).
Mehran Baloch son of Muhammad Sharif, belonged to a low-income Baloch family and reportedly worked as a shopkeeper in the local market. Witnesses said he was on his way to his shop on Thursday when he was attacked and killed in broad daylight.
The incident has sparked renewed concern over the security situation in Balochistan, where rights organisations and activists have repeatedly raised concerns of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and intimidation against civilians.
In a statement released following the killing, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee strongly condemned the attack and accused “state-backed armed groups” of operating openly across the region. The organisation questioned how such attacks continue despite the presence of military checkpoints and heavy surveillance in many parts of Balochistan.
The group further said that ordinary civilians remain vulnerable while criminal networks and drug traffickers continue to operate freely. No official statement has been issued by authorities regarding the allegations at the time of reporting.
The killing comes during the Eid holiday period, which the BYC said has instead become a time of mourning for many families in Balochistan. The organisation claimed that fear and grief are spreading across Balochistan as incidents of violence continue to affect people.
The BYC also appealed to international human rights organisations, the United Nations, and the wider global community to take notice of the human rights situation in Balochistan. According to the group, activists and civilians who speak out against abuses often face arrests, harassment and repression.
