Baloch Human Rights Council speaks to United Kingdom MP about increase in enforced disappearances in Balochistan

A Baloch Human Rights Council (BHRC) delegation recently met Seema Malhotra, UK Minister for Migration, Citizenship and Equality, to discuss serious human rights violations in Balochistan.

The BHRC delegation briefed him/her on the sharp increase in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in the region in recent months. The delegation also talked about other human rights violations being committed by Pakistani security forces in Balochistan.

According to a statement, the minister listened to the issues raised and promised to take up the matter with the relevant authorities of the UK government. The delegation hoped that raising awareness would put more pressure on the Pakistani government to stop these human rights violations.

This meeting is an important step towards drawing attention to the situation in Balochistan and advocating for justice and security for its people.

Human rights groups have frequently condemned Pakistani security forces for using violent measures to suppress the voices of innocent Baloch people.

Recently, Sami Baloch, a representative of the BHRC, highlighted the increase in the number of cases of enforced disappearance during the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council. Condemning Pakistani security forces, he/she said, “Security agencies are systematically trying to physically wipe out the Baloch community.”

Earlier, the BHRC had presented data on human rights violations in the region.

In 2022, 367 persons were kidnapped and 79 were murdered. In 2023, security forces forcibly disappeared 416 persons. Meanwhile, more than 206 people have been forcibly disappeared so far in the first half of 2024.

The ongoing enforced disappearances have created fear and terror in the minds of the Baloch people. These people and human rights groups urge the global community to support and raise their voice against the atrocities committed on them by Pakistani forces.