A young man recently released after reportedly being forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces was injured in a shooting incident in Turbat, Kech district of Balochistan.
The attack has raised concerns about a potential new strategy targeting individuals who have previously been subjected to enforced disappearances.
According to reports, unknown armed men opened fire and severely injured the victim near Mehr-e-Hotel in Turbat’s Aapsar area. The young man has been identified as Abid, son of Washdil.
Abid, a resident of Aapsar and a worker at a puncture repair shop, was reportedly forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces in March 2023 and was released after ten months in captivity.
This attack is part of a series of recent incidents in Kech, where individuals who were previously victims of enforced disappearances have been targeted.
Last month, a similar incident occurred in Singani Sar, where the intended target narrowly escaped. On August 17, 2024, another individual, Imtiaz Iqbal, was targeted in Aapsar. Imtiaz had previously been forcibly disappeared on May 17, 2024.
Local activists and human rights organizations have voiced concerns that these incidents may indicate a new strategy by state institutions, suggesting that local militias, allegedly supported by state forces, are being used to target those who have been released after enforced disappearances.
Prominent Baloch activist Dr. Mahrang Baloch condemned the violence on social media, stating, “Abid Baloch, recently released after being forcibly disappeared, was shot and severely wounded in Turbat. This is the third such attack in two months. We urge immediate action to end this violence in Balochistan.”
The Baloch National Movement’s human rights wing, Paank, also expressed alarm over the incident. In a statement, Paank said, “This attack highlights the ongoing pattern of violence and intimidation against those who have been forcibly disappeared and later released, as well as against social activists in Balochistan.” The organization noted that this is the third such incident in Kech within the past two months.
Paank called on Pakistani authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the attack and to hold those responsible accountable. The organization emphasized the need for immediate action to protect the lives and rights of all citizens, particularly those who have been victims of enforced disappearances.
“The continuing impunity for such attacks only perpetuates the cycle of violence and fear in the region,” the statement added.