Pakistan: 28 cases of forced disappearance reported in Balochistan in April

A total of 28 cases of enforced disappearances were recorded in Balochistan and other areas of Pakistan in April, The Balochistan Post reported, citing its investigation into incidents of enforced disappearance in April.

According to reports, the nine missing persons were later released and reunited with their families. However, four bodies were recovered, which were identified as those of individuals previously reported missing.

An investigation by Balochistan Post reported that Mashke, Kech and Quetta were the areas most affected by these enforced disappearances. Additionally, the report provided details regarding victims of enforced disappearance.

Enforced disappearances have been a long-standing issue in Pakistan’s Balochistan, The Balochistan Post reports. Several persons have been reported missing in Balochistan and the issue has been highlighted by several activists and human rights groups. These organizations have accused Pakistani intelligence and security forces of carrying out these kidnappings and extrajudicial killings.

Earlier this week, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain raised the issue of enforced disappearances in Pakistan’s Balochistan province and urged the Pakistan Army to change its policy and prioritize the search for missing persons.

“To the Army Commanders, I urge you to reconsider your policy and give priority to the search for missing persons. Let us engage in dialogue to find a peaceful solution to this urgent issue,” he said during his latest thought session on a video-sharing app, highlighting the seriousness of enforced disappearances affecting the Baloch and other ethnic communities in Pakistan .

The MQM founder asked, “The suffering of families with missing loved ones is unimaginable. Put yourself in their shoes – how would you feel if your own brother or son was taken away without any information, tortured and subjected to violence?”

Altaf Hussain said that leaders in Pakistan should be sympathetic to the pain of these innocent mothers and families and ensure that those who are missing are brought before the law for a fair trial.