Enforced disappearances continue to plague Balochistan, casting a somber and enduring cloud over the region for the past two decades. Accusations leveled against Pakistani intelligence agencies and security forces by Baloch nationalists, activists, and human rights organizations strongly imply their complicity in these abductions and extrajudicial killings. In the face of denials from the Pakistani government, the growing body of evidence put forth by these groups portrays a divergent narrative.
An investigation conducted by The Balochistan Post (TBP) into enforced disappearances during the first half of September 2023 has uncovered the following:
Findings: During the initial two weeks of September, TBP documented numerous cases of enforced disappearances reported from various regions of Balochistan. The gathered reports have illuminated the gravity of the situation, revealing that 24 individuals were subjected to forced disappearances, while 9 were subsequently released. Furthermore, within the same timeframe, 14 lifeless bodies were discovered.
Enforced disappearances were reported in the following areas:
- Dera Bugti: 14 cases
- Tejaban: 2 cases
- Mand: 2 cases
- Turbat: 1 case
- Mashkay: 1 case
- Karachi: 1 case
- Harnai: 1 case
- Gwadar: 1 case
In addition to the enforced disappearances, 14 deceased individuals have been found in various parts of Balochistan.
Details of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances: The Balochistan Post verified the status of the following individuals as Baloch missing persons.
The persistent occurrence of enforced disappearances, despite official denials, highlights the urgent need for comprehensive investigations and international attention to address this ongoing crisis in Balochistan.