Pakistani forces have allegedly forcibly disappeared an elderly man, Rehmatullah Baloch, who participated in a protest organized by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) in Quetta.
According to reports, on Wednesday night, security forces conducted a raid in the Nawakili area of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan. During the raid, Rehmatullah Baloch was detained. He had been participating in BYC’s protest against the detention of Zaheer Baloch, during which police used excessive force against peaceful protesters.
A video of Rehmatullah Baloch during the protest went viral on social media, raising concerns that he may have been detained because of his participation in the BYC protest.
Social and political activists have condemned the detention and are demanding Rehmatullah Baloch’s immediate release.
Forced disappearances are frequently reported in Balochistan, with human rights organizations alleging that Pakistani forces and intelligence agencies are responsible. Over 50,000 people are reportedly missing in the region.