Rights organization reports increase in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan

PANK, the human rights arm of the Baloch National Movement, has published a report documenting the disappearance of approximately 98 people and 12 extrajudicial killings by Pakistan security forces in the month of November.

According to Pank, the disappearance of Baloch civilians, especially Baloch youth, continues in various cities including Karachi, at the hands of Pakistani Army and allied agencies in Balochistan.

In November 2024, 98 cases of enforced disappearance and unlawful detention were reported in 15 districts of Balochistan and Karachi. Kech district had the highest number of 31 cases, followed by Gwadar with 11 cases, indicating severe repression in these areas. Several incidents were also reported in other districts, including Dera Bugti, Lasbela and Awaran, while 5 cases were recorded in urban areas such as Karachi, highlighting the widespread nature of these abuses.

This data underlines the systematic phenomenon of enforced disappearances in Balochistan, leaving communities in fear and suffering. Each case represents a life taken from its family, with the real level likely to be much higher due to under-reporting. This disturbing trend demands urgent international attention and accountability.

Pakistani forces and state agencies forcibly detained approximately 96 individuals across Balochistan, focusing on Baloch youth.

Pank also highlighted the names of the kidnapped persons. In November Pakistani security forces forcibly disappeared and killed Muhammad Nawaz, Ghulam Buzdar, Jafar Marri, Bahar Jan, Abdul Khaliq and several others.

The continued disappearance of Baloch individuals, including students, highlights a pattern of state-sanctioned abductions carried out by the Pakistan Army and related agencies, with no consequences. Despite global condemnation, Pakistani officials have largely escaped accountability, and local courts appear ineffective in addressing these human rights violations. The targeting of students represents a deliberate attempt to silence the opposition and suppress the future of the Baloch youth.

These incidents demonstrate that torture is often used during unlawful detention, while unidentified bodies indicate a lack of accountability and state efforts to conceal evidence.