Balochistan: Mass Enforced Disappearances Raise Alarm Over Human Rights Crisis

 Balochistan: Mass Enforced Disappearances Raise Alarm Over Human Rights Crisis

QUETTA: The ongoing forced disappearances of Baloch youth by Pakistani security forces have reached alarming levels, with dozens of innocent individuals abducted daily. The Baloch community is living in a state of extreme terror and lawlessness, compounded by frequent discoveries of mutilated bodies and a surge in targeted killings. These disappearances continue to escalate, sparking protests from families and civil society groups demanding accountability.

Recent cases illustrate the severity of the crisis. In January, Shakeel Baloch, a resident of Shahrak, Turbat, was abducted by security forces. Shakeel, the sole breadwinner for his family, worked as a labourer to support his elderly mother. His mother staged a sit-in on the CPEC road, demanding his safe return, highlighting the deep distress caused by his disappearance.

On the night of January 12, two more young men—Shayhaq son of Ghulam Qadir and Muneer Ahmed—were forcibly taken from Saami Shahrak. Their families blocked the CPEC route in protest, calling for their immediate release. These abductions are part of a growing trend of disappearances, which also includes Ismail and Bilal from New Bahman, Turbat, who were taken during a raid at 2:00 AM on January 14. The security forces harassed and tortured their families during the abduction, leaving the victims’ loved ones fearful for their safety.

In Panjgur, Munzir and Jassim were abducted from the Saidan area, sparking protests from their families who blocked roads to demand their return. In the district of Khuzdar, Zehri residents thwarted an attempt to abduct Muhammad Saleem, although they remain concerned that he could still be targeted by the forces.

Elsewhere, Abdul Samand Baloch from Barkan remains missing after being abducted 13 days ago. Despite his family’s efforts to locate him, his whereabouts are still unknown. Meanwhile, Noman Ishaq, who has been missing for several months, prompted a protest on January 5 in Gwadar, but despite assurances from local authorities, the family’s calls for his release have gone unheeded, prompting another protest on January 17.

In Mashky, Mehmood and Nabi Dad were abducted on January 14 but were released after enduring severe torture. In a similar incident, Ibrar Qambarani, a university graduate from Quetta, was abducted from his home on the night of January 16. The escalating number of cases, including this recent one, highlights the systemic nature of these abductions.

Reports indicate that these are only a small fraction of the true number of disappearances, as many cases remain unreported due to internet blockades in remote areas of Balochistan and the intense climate of fear surrounding the victims’ families.

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and other civil society groups continue to resist this state-sponsored violence, calling attention to the government’s colonial and genocidal policies against the Baloch people.

Baloch Human Rights organisation, diaspora and pro-freedom political parties have been continuously calling on Human rights organisations, the United Nations, and the international community to take immediate action to address this grave humanitarian crisis.

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