‘Enforced disappearances’ have become a persistent problem in Balochistan in the past two decades. They have gained significant attention in recent years from the national and the international media. Baloch nationalists, activists, and human rights groups have accused Pakistani intelligence agencies and security forces of being involved in these disappearances, which have caused immense suffering to the victims’ families and raised serious concerns about human rights violations.
Balochistan has been in a state of turmoil for decades, and the issue of ‘enforced disappearances’ has exacerbated the situation. Many individuals, including students, intellectuals, and political activists, have disappeared without any trace in Balochistan, leaving their families in anguish and uncertainty. Although the Pakistani government has denied involvement in these disappearances, rights groups argue that the evidence suggests otherwise.
Human rights organizations have documented numerous cases of ‘enforced disappearances’ in Balochistan, and the numbers continue to rise. The practice has not only violated human rights but also undermined the rule of law and democratic values. It has created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, which has prevented many people from speaking out against injustices and advocating for their rights.
The Balochistan Post (TBP) carried out an investigative report on the state of ‘enforced disappearances’ in Balochistan.
Findings:
TBP report looked into several cases of ‘enforced disappearances’ reported in different areas of Balochistan in the first two weeks of March and concluded that 34 people were allegedly detained by the security forces. Furthermore, 11 missing persons were released, and 3 dead bodies were found.
The ‘enforced disappearances’ reported from different areas of Balochistan stood as follows:
- Kech: 8
- Kohlu: 8
- Gwadar: 5
- Kharan: 5
- Panjgur: 3
- Hub Chowki: 1
- Karachi: 1
The three dead bodies were found in:
- Kalat: 1
- Kech: 1
- Kharan: 1
Details of the victims of ‘enforced disappearances’
The Balochistan Post verified through the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) and Paank, the status of the following individuals as missing persons. A handful of those were released soon afterwards, but a majority of them remain missing to this day:
- Muhammad Jan: Detained from Turbat on March 1. Still missing
- Haseeb Baloch: Detained from Kech on March 1. Later released
- Shah Jahan: Detained from Gwadar on March 7. Still missing
- Ameer Baloch: Detained from Kharan on March 7. Still missing
- Waju Baloch: Detained from Kech on March 1. Still missing
- Nazeer Ahmed: Detained from Panjgur on March 7. Still missing
- Attaullah: Detained from Kharan on March 7. Still missing
- Waheed Baloch: Detained from Gwadar on March 7. Still missing
- Amanullah: Detained from Kharan on March 5. Still missing
- Hameed: Detained from Gwadar on March 5. Still missing
- Shehzad: Detained from Turbat on March 7. Still missing
- Faraz: Detained from Turbat on March 7. Still missing
- Muhammad Javed: Detained from Kohlu on March 11. Later released
- Moran: Detained from Kohlu on March 11. Still missing
- Abdul Sattar: Detained from Kohlu on March 11. Still missing
- Ghulam Baksh: Detained from Kohlu on March 11. Released
- Lal: Detained from Kohlu on March 11. Later released
- Bashkhiya Khan: Detained form Kohlu on 11. Later released
- Mughal: Detained from Kohlu on March 11. Still missing
- Muhammad Azeem: Detained from Kohlu on March 11. Still missing
- Israr: Detained from Kech on March 12. Still missing
- Jalal: Detained from Kech on March 12. Still missing
- Attaullah: Detained from Panjgur on March 10. Still missing
- Javid: Detained from Hub Chowki on March 9. Still missing
- Muhammad Baksh: Detained from Kech on March 12. Still missing
- Sabir: Detained from Gwadar on March 10. Still missing
- Pazeer: Detained from Panjgur on March 10. Still missing
- Ameer: Detained from Kharan on March 5. Still missing
- Rasool Baksh: Detained from Gwadar on March 10. Still missing
- Salahuddin s/o Zafar Ali: Detained from Kharan. Beaten and tortured to death by CTD