A member of an alleged government-backed armed group, commonly referred to as a “death squad,” was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Turbat, a major city in Balochistan’s Kech district. The deceased, identified as Naseer Ahmed, son of Pir Mohammad, was targeted in the Sangani Sar area of Turbat.
Although no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, sources suggest that Naseer Ahmed was affiliated with a death squad. In the past, Baloch “pro-independence” armed groups have often claimed responsibility for such incidents, targeting individuals associated with these controversial militias.
Death Squads in Balochistan
Death squads in Balochistan have been a significant and contentious issue, operating under the alleged patronage of Pakistani intelligence agencies and the military. These armed groups are accused of engaging in a wide range of activities, including abductions, enforced disappearances, and targeted killings, particularly of Baloch activists and political dissidents. Their actions are often seen as an extension of the state’s counter-insurgency efforts in the region, aiming to suppress Balochistan’s independence movement.
In addition to political violence, these groups have been implicated in various social crimes, including extortion, land grabbing, and drug trafficking. The involvement of state actors in supporting such groups has drawn significant criticism from human rights organizations, both domestically and internationally. The lack of accountability and the impunity with which these squads operate continue to exacerbate tensions in the already volatile region of Balochistan.