Balochistan, a region marked by the haunting shadow of forced disappearances, continues to grapple with the distressing reality that has haunted its people for the past two decades. Baloch nationalists, activists, and advocates for human rights have consistently pointed fingers at intelligence agencies and security forces, alleging their involvement in abductions and extrajudicial killings. Despite the Pakistani government’s vehement denial of any complicity, compelling evidence presented by these groups reveals a different narrative.
A recent investigation, The Balochistan Post (TBP) delved into the state of forced disappearances during the first two weeks of July, unearthing the following:
Unveiling the Truth
During this critical period, TBP meticulously documented a series of cases of forced disappearances reported from various regions across Balochistan. The collected testimonies shed light on the gravity of the situation, with a troubling 13 individuals vanishing under suspicious circumstances. Four Baloch missing persons were reportedly detained by Pakistani forces in June, but their disappearance was reported in the first two weeks of July. However, amidst this disheartening backdrop, there were glimmers of hope as three of the missing individuals remarkably returned to the safety of their homes, providing a ray of relief in an otherwise bleak scenario.
Heart-Wrenching Discoveries
Sadly, the quest for the missing persons did not result in joyous reunions for all. Within these challenging two weeks, four lifeless bodies were discovered, further exacerbating the anguish and despair in Balochistan.
These revelations build upon our previous bi-weekly reports shedding light on the state of enforced disappearances in Balochistan. The persistence of forced disappearances, coupled with the continuous denial of involvement by the Pakistani government, warrants increased attention from the international community. The urgent necessity for a comprehensive resolution to address this ongoing human rights crisis cannot be emphasized enough
As the people of Balochistan endure the torment and uncertainty caused by these disappearances, the world observes with anticipation, yearning for a more promising and equitable future for the region.
Enforced disappearances were reported in the following areas:
- Kech: 4
- Awaran: 3
- Dera Bugti: 2
- Gwadar: 1
- Khuzdar: 1
- Quetta: 1
- Dera Ghazi Khan: 1
Additionally, four dead bodies were also discovered from the following areas:
- Dalbandin: 2
- Noshki: 1
- Barkhan: 1
Details of the victims of enforced disappearances
The Balochistan Post documented the details of the following individuals who were allegedly picked up by Pakistani security forces from different areas of Balochistan:
- Salim Baloch: Forcibly disappeared from Turbat on July 3. Still missing
- Akram Baloch: Forcibly disappeared from Turbat on July 3. Still missing
- Qadir Baksh: Forcibly disappeared from Gwadar on July 6. Still missing
- Farooq: Forcibly disappeared from Kech on July 10. Still missing
- Hikmat Ali: Forcibly disappeared from Kech on July 11. Still missing
- Sana Ullah: Forcibly disappeared from Khuzdar on July 11. Still missing
- Abdul Sattar: Forcibly disappeared from Dera Ghazi Khan on July 11. Still missing
- Roshan Bugti: Forcibly disappeared from Dera Bugti on July 13. Still missing
- Ahmed Bugti: Forcibly disappeared from Dera Bugti on July 13. Still missing
- Azum Baloch: Forcibly disappeared from Quetta on July 14. Still missing
- Dad Baksh: Forcibly disappeared from Awaran on July 14. Still missing
- Deenar: Forcibly disappeared from Awaran on July 14. Still missing
- Zabad Baloch: Forcibly disappeared from Awaran on July 14. Still missing
The following individuals were allegedly picked by the Pakistani security forces in June, but their families reported their disappearance in July.
- Tariq Bugti: Forcibly disappeared form Dera Bugti on June 8 and reported missing on July 13. Still missing
- Khan Jan: Forcibly disappeared from Panjgur on June 15 and reported missing on July 8. Still missing
- Barkat: Forcibly disappeared from Panjgur on June 15 and reported missing on July 8. Still missing
- Jumma Khan: Forcibly disappeared from Dera Bugti on June 18 and reported missing on July 13. Still missing
Four dead bodies were also discovered in the first two weeks of July. Of the two bodies found in Dalbandin, one was identified as Suleman whereas the other remained unidentified. Similarly, the dead body discovered in Barkhan was identified as Allah Baksh and the one discovered in Noshki as Tahir Khan.