Baloch Journalist Killed in Awaran; BYC Slams State Violence and Media Silence

SHAAL (QUETTA): Journalist Abdul Latif Baloch, a correspondent for Intikhab newspaper, was shot dead in his home in the Mashkay area of Awaran district during the early hours of Friday.

According to reports, the attack occurred at approximately 3 a.m. when members of a state-backed death squad entered his home and shot him in front of his family while he was sleeping.

This incident has drawn sharp condemnation from the Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC), which described the killing as part of a pattern of state-sanctioned violence and impunity in Balochistan.

The tragic killing is not the first time Abdul Latif’s family has been targeted. On February 28, eight young men from his extended family were summoned to a local army camp and detained. Later, four were killed and their bodies dumped, followed by the killing of the remaining four in the same manner. Among the victims was Abdul Latif’s own son Saif Baloch, a young student.

Sammi Deen Baloch, a central leader of the BYC and a human rights activist, said, “Balochistan continues to witness a rise in inhumane and tragic incidents, yet Pakistan’s journalists, human rights organizations, and state institutions remain silent spectators.” She questioned why murders of civilians in Balochistan receive little attention or outrage. “Is it because they are Baloch? Or because they lack influence or ties to powerful institutions?”

She further condemned the frequent labelling of Baloch activists as “terrorists” and “proxies” when they raise their voices against state abuses. “We have consistently condemned the killing of civilians whether by the state or non-state actors but those demanding our condemnation never hold the state accountable for its crimes.”

Sammi Deen also criticised the mainstream Pakistani media for its biased and one-sided portrayal of the situation in Balochistan. “They are quick to highlight non-state violence but remain silent on state atrocities,” She said.

Calling for transparent journalism, she urged reporters to visit Balochistan and independently verify the BYC’s claims. “Only then can your journalism be seen as neutral. Otherwise, your silence amounts to complicity and support for injustice.”

The killing of Abdul Latif Baloch adds to growing concerns about press freedom, human rights, and state accountability in Balochistan, a region long plagued by conflict, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings.