According to the monthly report of the human rights organization PaanK (BNM), in January, Pakistani forces forcibly disappeared 41 people from Balochistan, including 18 students and a journalist. While 14 forced missing persons were released from the torture cells of the Pakistan army after severe physical and mental torture.
According to Paank, in December 2022 and January 2023, the cases of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances significantly increased in Balochistan.
The report issued by Paank states that this trend clearly violates the UN Conventions against extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. The right to life and freedom from torture is enshrined in numerous international treaties, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and The United Nations Convention Against Torture (CAT) and in other conventions against cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
The report said that enforced disappearances and torture are universally condemned and prohibited under international law, yet these tactics are used to continue the coercive occupation in Balochistan.
Paank has demanded that the international community hold Pakistan accountable and take action to protect human rights. The United Nations and other international and international organizations should work to monitor, investigate, and provide assistance to victims of violence and their families.
Paank mentioned India, Israel, Holland, Italy, Paraguay and other countries in the 42nd session of the UPR (Universal Periodic Review) at the United Nations. “These countries have urged Pakistan to end enforced disappearances and expressed their concerns regarding the rights of different genders and religious minorities in Pakistan.”