Balochistan, a region that has been suffering from the scourge of enforced disappearances for the past two decades, is still struggling to cope with this grim reality that has affected its people. Baloch nationalists, activists, and human rights organizations have repeatedly accused Pakistani intelligence agencies and security forces of being behind the abductions and extrajudicial killings. The Pakistani government, however, has strongly denied any involvement, despite the overwhelming evidence presented by these groups.
The Balochistan Post (TBP) conducted an investigation into the state of enforced disappearances during the last two weeks of November, revealing the following:
The Truth Uncovered
TBP carefully documented a number of cases of enforced disappearances that occurred in different regions of Balochistan during this crucial period. The collected accounts showed the seriousness of the situation, with a disturbing total of 29 individuals disappearing under mysterious circumstances, allegedly by the Pakistani security forces. However, there was a glimmer of hope for a few fortunate families as six of the disappeared individuals managed to return to their homes safely, bringing a wave of relief in their wake.
The Tragic Findings
Sadly, not everyone who went missing was able to reunite with their loved ones. Within these dreadful two weeks, two dead bodies were found, adding to the grief and despair in Balochistan.
These findings are a continuation of our previous 30-day report, which covered the months of September and October 2023. The persistence of enforced disappearances, along with the constant denial of responsibility by the Pakistani government, calls for increased attention from international bodies. The pressing need for a comprehensive solution to address this ongoing human rights crisis is undeniable.
As the people of Balochistan face the pain and uncertainty caused by these disappearances, the world watches with anticipation, hoping for a brighter and more just future for the region.
Enforced disappearances were reported in the following regions:
• Quetta: 6
• Gwadar: 4
• Awaran: 4
• Turbat: 4
• Tump: 2
• Chaghi: 1
• Karachi: 1
• Naseerabad: 1
• Naal: 1
• Sibbi: 1
• Zehri: 1
• Uthal: 1
• Larkana: 1
• Pasni: 1
Additionally, two dead bodies were recovered in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan. Their identities could not be confirmed.
Details of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances
The Balochistan Post documented the details of the following individuals who were allegedly picked up by the Pakistani security forces from different areas of Balochistan and beyond:
• Muslim Ali: Forcibly disappeared from Pasni on November 15. Still missing
• Dr. Ismail: Forcibly disappeared from Karachi on November 11, and declared “missing” on November 18. Later released
• Liaquat Saleh: Forcibly disappeared from Zehri on November 17. Still missing
• Liaquat Sakhi: Forcibly disappeared from Naal on November 18. Still missing
• Sameer Baloch: Forcibly disappeared from Uthal on November 17. Still missing
• Sameer Hamza: Forcibly disappeared from Gwadar on November 19. Later released
• Samad Assa: Forcibly disappeared from Turbat on November 20. Still missing
• Itwaar Khan: Forcibly disappeared from Sibbi on November 20. Still missing
• Sherdil Samad: Forcibly disappeared from Panjgur on November 20. Later released
• Bilal Ahmed: Forcibly disappeared from Gwadar on November 21, later released, but picked up a few days later. Still missing
• Habib Rehmat: Forcibly disappeared from Gwadar on November 21. Still missing
• Ali Jummah: Forcibly disappeared from Gwadar on November 21. Still missing
• Ahmed Ibrahim: Forcibly disappeared from Turbat on November 22. Later released
• Waqar: Forcibly disappeared from Turbat on November 23. Still missing
• Shahnawaz: Forcibly disappeared from Awaran on November 23. Still missing
• Sajid Zabad: Forcibly disappeared from Awaran on November 23. Still missing
• Qaisar Khan: Forcibly disappeared from Nasserabad on November 27. Still missing
• Jamal Marri: Forcibly disappeared from Quetta on November 28. Still missing
• Shabghat: Forcibly disappeared from Chaghi on November 27. Still missing
• Latif: Forcibly disappeared from Larkana on November 30. Still missing
• Gulzar Ayub: Forcibly disappeared from Tump on November 30. Still missing
• Mehraj Ghafoor: Forcibly disappeared from Tump on November 30. Still missing
• Unknown man: Forcibly disappeared from Quetta on November 25. Still missing
• Unknown man: Forcibly disappeared from Quetta on November 25. Still missing
• Unknown man: Forcibly disappeared from Quetta on November 25. Still missing
• Unknown man: Forcibly disappeared from Quetta on November 25. Still missing
• Unknown man: Forcibly disappeared from Quetta on November 25. Still missing
• Akhter Baloch: Forcibly disappeared from Awaran on November 30. Still missing
• Raheem Jan: Forcibly disappeared from Awaran on November 30. Still missing
