The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Khuzdar reported on Wednesday that an operation led to the deaths of three individuals, alleging that they were engaged in militant activities. The CTD claims to have recovered an assortment of weaponry, including firearms and explosives, from the deceased.
Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP), an advocacy group focusing on the recovery of missing individuals in Balochistan, contests the CTD’s claims, alleging that one of the deceased, Aftab Sumalani, was forcibly disappeared on August 11 from Hazar Ganji Quetta. The VBMP had reported Sumalani’s disappearance to the commission responsible for investigating cases of missing persons.
The Balochistan Post’s independent investigation confirms that another deceased, Abdullah, son of Arz Muhammad from Lutani Zehri, had also been missing after being reportedly detained by Pakistani forces two years ago.
This is not the first time the CTD has been involved in encounters in Balochistan that have been later contested. There have been previous instances where such encounters were later alleged to be staged.
CTD – The Encounter Specialists of Balochistan – TBP Report
As of now, VBMP and The Balochistan Post have identified two of the individuals killed in the recent encounter as previously reported missing persons. The Balochistan Post remains dedicated to uncovering the truth and will continue its efforts to determine the identity of the third individual.