Targeted Attacks and Forcible Disappearances in Balochistan Raise Alarm Over Civilian Safety

SHAAL, BALOCHISTAN: State violence against civilians continues unabated, drawing attention to the role of state-backed death squads and security forces in Balochistan. Recent incidents have highlighted the increasing frequency of abductions, extrajudicial killings, and forced disappearances, deepening the sense of insecurity among the local population.

On April 30, a government-backed armed group raided a house in the Tasp area of Nokabad in Panjgur, resulting in the extrajudicial killing of a young man and the abduction of another.

According to sources, the armed group attempted to abduct Ameern Ullah son of Barkat Ullah, a local cricket player. During the raid, another young man named Ayaz, who tried to resist, was shot and killed on the spot. Ameern Ullah was taken to an unknown location, and his family has not been informed of his whereabouts or well-being.

The attack has sparked outrage among locals, as it highlights the ongoing campaign of abductions and targeted killings attributed to government-backed armed groups in the region. This surge in such incidents, especially in the Makran Belt, has raised concerns about the growing influence of these “death squads,” which are believed to be operating with the state’s backing.

On April 28, a targeted attack on a civilian family in Koshkalat, Tump, further escalated the already tense situation in the region. Armed individuals affiliated with state-backed death squads opened fire on the family as they waited by the roadside for transportation to Turbat city. Amir Noor, son of Noor Bakhsh, was killed on the spot, while his wife, Kainat Bibi, sustained critical gunshot wounds and remains in life-threatening condition at Civil Hospital in Turbat. Amir’s sister Najma and his young son, Rehan, also sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment.

In an even more tragic turn, Garkol Bibi, a resident who rushed to help the victims, suffered a fatal heart attack at the scene, underscoring the broader human cost of such brutal acts of violence.

This attack is especially concerning given Amir Noor’s previous history of enforced disappearance. He had been forcibly disappeared on November 4, 2024, before being released after enduring torture. This raises serious questions about the continued harassment of civilians by state-backed groups and the lack of accountability for such acts of violence.

In a related development, Nasratullah Khan, the younger brother of Obaidullah Baloch, former district president of the Balochistan National Party (BNP) in Panjgur, was forcibly disappeared by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on the night of April 30. Obaidullah Baloch told the media that the incident occurred around 1:30 AM, when he and his family were at their residence in A-One City, Quetta. Armed individuals in police uniforms raided their home, conducted a search, and took Nasratullah Khan with them.

Immediately after the incident, the family reported the disappearance to the nearby Brewery Police Station but received no satisfactory response. As of now, no police station in the city has acknowledged Nasratullah Khan’s arrest, causing great anxiety and concern among his family.

Obaidullah Baloch emphasised that there is no case registered against his brother, and he is not involved in any illegal activities. He has called on the relevant authorities to immediately clarify the situation regarding his brother’s disappearance and to present him before the court.

Human rights organisations have condemned the rise in violence, forced disappearances, and targeted attacks, particularly the killing of Amir Noor’s family and the abduction of Ameen Ullah and Nasratullah Khan. They emphasised the need for the authorities to take immediate action to prevent further violations and ensure the protection of civilians. The group highlighted the climate of impunity that allows such crimes to continue, calling for an end to the prevailing violence and intimidation against Baloch political activists, their families, and the wider civilian population.

Both the Panjgur and Koshkalat attacks, along with the forced disappearance of Nasratullah Khan, reflect the growing threats to life and security in Balochistan. These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dire need for accountability and justice in the region.