Punk urges Pakistan to end enforced disappearances after release of kidnapped students

PANK, the human rights department of the Baloch National Movement, has stressed that enforced disappearances are a serious violation of human rights. In a post on X, Punk called on Pakistan to end the practice, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure justice for the victims and their families. The statement comes after the recent return of ten Baloch students who were forcibly disappeared from Rawalpindi and later released from illegal detention by Pakistani forces.

All 10 Baloch students who were forcibly disappeared from Rawalpindi have been released from illegal detention by Pakistani forces. Punk welcomes their return but insists that enforced disappearances are a serious violation of human rights. We urge Pakistan to end this practice,… https://t.co/PNKanya2ZV

– Paank (@paank_bnm) 3 November 2024

These students, who were studying at the National University of Modern Languages ​​(NUML), were reportedly taken away by Pakistan Armed Forces during a raid on their residence. Punk had given the names of the missing students as Salim Arif, Balach Fida, Khuda Dad, Khalil Ahmed, Hammal Hasni, Babar Atta, Noor Muhim, Iftikhar Azum and Ahsam.

Earlier, Baloch students in Islamabad and Rawalpindi had announced boycott of classes and examinations to protest against the enforced disappearance of ten students. In a post on Twitter, prominent activist Mehrang Baloch had said, “This is a serious form of psychological violence to exhaust and intimidate the Baloch youth. Profiling and kidnapping of Baloch students must stop to ensure their right to education and participation in nation building.”

Baloch students in Islamabad and Rawalpindi are boycotting their classes and examinations in protest against the enforced disappearance of ten Baloch students.

This is a serious form of psychological violence to dehumanize and intimidate the Baloch youth. Profiling and kidnapping of Baloch… pic.twitter.com/KhqSs8On2S

— Mahrang Baloch (@MahrangBaloch_) 3 November 2024

The incident highlights the ongoing harassment and discrimination faced by Baloch students in educational institutions. Such enforced disappearances have created fear in the region, as the Baloch people continue to endure human rights violations at the hands of Pakistani forces.

The kidnapping of Baloch students in Pakistan represents a significant and troubling issue in the Islamic Republic. Students, particularly those engaged in political activism or belonging to marginalized ethnic groups, are often targets of violence. The motivations behind these kidnappings are diverse, including attempts to intimidate dissidents and extortion for ransom. These incidents promote a widespread climate of fear, disrupt educational activities and hinder the long-term development of Balochistan. Human rights organizations continue to advocate for student safety and highlight the urgent need for dialogue and comprehensive solutions to the deep issues affecting Balochistan.