The Baloch Women Forum, a group striving for women rights, released a statement saying that there had been a long history of sexual harassment in Balochistan in which Pakistani security forces and death squads were directly involved.
According to the Forum’s spokesperson; five months ago, a disturbing incident took place in Mashkay. The female family members of Muhammad Juma and Hakeem Baloch were tortured and sexually abused by security forces and death squad members. The victim family was threatened with death by the forces in case of mentioning the incident.
“Baloch Women Forum strongly condemns these horrific incidents. These incidents reflect state oppression on women in Balochistan,” the statement read.
The BWF spokesperson further said that this is not the first incident in Balochistan but incidents of sexual harassment are happening continuously. A few days ago, a little boy named Amir Murad from Hoshap area of Balochistan was also sexually assaulted by a Frontier Corps [Pakistani paramilitary force] official, spokesperson added.
“In Balochistan, there are daily reports of women being forcibly disappeared during military operations and also the reports of sexual violence and harassment from various places are being received. Women are afraid to come forward due to fear of scandal and threats. Such incidents are not only a violation of Baloch traditions but also unbearable for the people of Balochistan,” the statement read.
In its statement, the Baloch Women Forum appealed to human rights organizations, the Supreme Court and the Government of Balochistan to immediately take notice of such incidents and bring justice to victims.