The Baloch Women’s Forum expressed alarm of the rising rape incidents in Balochistan, saying that the Pakistani forces are directly involved in the practice. The rights group chastised the government for its inaction in this regard, saying that it has become a “silent spectator.”
The Baloch Women’s Forum – a women’s rights group based in Balochistan – said in a recent media statement that women have been frequently “abducted” in military operations in different regions of Balochistan. But now there are reports from various areas of Balochistan that women have been – and are continuously being – sexually abused by the Pakistani security forces.
The spokesperson for the group said that a few weeks ago, the news of the sexual harassment of a minor in Hoshaap at the hands of the FC surfaced on social media. In Awaran, a poor, helpless father committed suicide to save the honour of his daughter when the forces called him to bring her to their camp. These reports of sexual misconduct and abuse from different areas of Balochistan are the continuation of the human rights crisis that has plagued Balochistan, the spokesperson said.
The statement further said that the Baloch Women’s Forum believes that women and children have nothing to do with political issues or social unrest. But the continuous “abduction” and “rape” of women and children is a violation of basic human rights and the constitution of the country.
The spokesperson further said that the silence of the government and the human rights groups in Balochistan over the issue is “alarming.” The authorities must investigate the incident, provide justice to the victims and put an end to the practice. Human rights groups must also play their required part in this regard, the statement concluded.