In an effort to restore stability in the insurgency-ridden region of Balochistan, the ruling elite in Pakistan has implemented several policies. However, these policies have come under scrutiny for their contribution to undermining political institutions through the use of death squads and enforced disappearances targeting political activists and dissidents. The state has been accused of supporting death squads comprised of drug dealers, religious extremists, land mafia, state-backed warlords, and individuals opposed to Baloch independence. These death squads, operating as a parallel state, possess considerable power and have been granted impunity to engage in theft, robbery, kidnapping for ransom, and even murder, in exchange for quelling or suppressing the freedom movement.
One such death squad is based in Wadh Tehsil of Khuzdar, led by Shafiq Mengal. Recently, the leader of the Mengal tribe and chief of the Balochistan National Party, Akhtar Mengal, has been in a confrontation with Shafiq Mengal in Wadh, with both exchanging accusations.
The Balochistan National Party has initiated a series of protests and rallies across Balochistan, targeting Shafiq Mengal and accusing him of involvement in the harassment and abduction of people in Balochistan through state-sponsored force.
Shafiq Mengal stands accused of enforced disappearances and the killings of activists from pro-independence parties. Mass graves discovered in Tootak have been linked to Shafiq Mengal, who is also alleged to be involved in training and harboring religious extremists in Balochistan. Despite Shafiq Mengal’s involvement in the killing of eight Levies personnel in Khuzdar, he continues to operate with impunity, seemingly more powerful than the government itself. The court and the government have thus far been unable to take action against him, despite the evidence.
Individuals like Shafiq Mengal and Hothman are considered strategic assets by the state. They remain dormant until the need arises, at which point they are assigned new responsibilities. With elections approaching in Pakistan and Balochistan, Shafiq Mengal has been reactivated in Khuzdar, while Hothman, an alleged drug kingpin in Kech, has been elected as the chairman of the district council through the influence of powerful state constituencies. The state’s policies regarding death squads and drug dealers have had a profound impact on millions of people in Balochistan, and if these policies persist, they will likely breed mistrust among the Baloch people.