Three men from Balochistan have reportedly been forcibly disappeared by Pakistani security forces, bringing the total number of enforced disappearances in the region this month to 35.
The Baloch National Movement’s (BNM) human rights wing, Paank, confirmed the latest disappearances, identifying the individuals as Faisal Baloch, Hamza, and Mausa, all residents of the Kech district. They were detained near the Duro checkpoint on October 17 while traveling and have since been transferred to an undisclosed location, Paank reported.
According to data compiled by The Balochistan Post, a total of 39 Baloch men have been forcibly disappeared across Balochistan, Karachi, and parts of Punjab in October. Of those, four students disappeared from Lahore have since been recovered, leaving 35 still missing.
Escalating Crisis of Disappearances
The number of enforced disappearances has surged sharply in recent months, with students, especially those living in hostels in various cities, being particularly targeted.
Political and human rights groups in Balochistan have voiced their deep concern, stating that security agencies are retaliating against Baloch youth following recent security failures.
“The intelligence agencies become vindictive after their security failures,” the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) said in a statement. “The current surge in enforced disappearances is alarming, particularly targeting Baloch students in Punjab and Karachi.”
The Baloch Women Forum (BWF) echoed these concerns, describing the disappearances as a “humanitarian crisis.” In a statement, the forum condemned the recent wave of disappearances, accusing state institutions of turning Balochistan into “a living hell.”
The BWF highlighted the growing climate of fear in the region, particularly among families of the disappeared. “Baloch students and civilians are being forcibly disappeared, leaving families devastated and severely affecting their mental health,” the statement read.
The forum also called for urgent intervention, citing the case of two brothers, Abid and Sabir, who have been missing from Panjgur for 20 days.
The Baloch Women Forum expressed solidarity with the families of the missing and vowed to continue supporting their protests.
Activist Calls for Action
Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a prominent Baloch activist, condemned the escalation of enforced disappearances, particularly those targeting students. She appealed to the international community to take immediate action.
“The systematic targeting of Baloch students is a deliberate attempt to silence and intimidate an entire generation,” Dr. Baloch said. “These enforced disappearances violate fundamental human rights and plunge families into fear and uncertainty. The world cannot afford to ignore these injustices.”
She urged human rights organizations to hold Pakistani authorities accountable, emphasizing that justice and transparency are essential to breaking the cycle of enforced disappearances in Balochistan.
International Scrutiny
Meanwhile, the United Nations Human Rights Committee raised concerns over the increasing number of enforced disappearances in Balochistan during its review of Pakistan’s human rights record. As part of its 142nd session in Geneva, the committee highlighted the issue while reviewing Pakistan’s adherence to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
The committee pointed out that cases of enforced disappearances have surged significantly since Pakistan’s last review in 2017. Data from the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances indicates that over 7,000 cases of enforced disappearances have been reported in Pakistan between 2004 and 2024.
The committee also highlighted the disproportionate targeting of political activists, journalists, students, and human rights defenders, particularly of the Baloch people. It further noted that minority groups, including Ahmadis and Pashtuns, have also been subjected to enforced disappearances.
Related: Balochistan: Rise in State Violence and Disappearances, UN Human Rights Committee Raises Concerns