Four new cases of enforced disappearances were reported in Balochistan’s Dera Bugti and Kech districts on Monday, continuing an escalating trend of enforced disappearances observed in recent months.
According to reports, security forces raided several homes in the Siyah Aaf area of Patokh village in Dera Bugti. During the raids, properties were allegedly looted by forces, and two men identified as Joaho s/o Bri Bugti, and Jona s/o Nokhaf Bugti were reportedly forcibly disappeared.
On the same night, in the Garani neighborhood of Sui, security personnel allegedly took Sikandar s/o Ajab Khan Bugti, during a separate raid. Locals claim these actions have increased following Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti’s recent visit to the area. They also allege that state-backed militias have been armed with additional weapons, further escalating tensions.
Meanwhile, in Kech district’s Buleda area, Imtiaz s/o Nazeer Baloch, was reportedly detained by Pakistani forces while traveling from Quetta to Buleda on Monday night. His family said that he was taken to an undisclosed location. “We appeal to human rights organizations to intervene and assist in securing his release,” a family member said.
It is important to note that enforced disappearances occur daily in Balochistan, with reports suggesting that more than 55,000 people are currently missing, while thousands have been found dead. Human rights organizations, including the United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances and Amnesty International, have repeatedly accused Pakistani forces and intelligence agencies of perpetrating these disappearances.
The ongoing crisis of enforced disappearances has devastated families and sparked widespread calls for justice. Activists warn that the lack of accountability for these disappearances is continuing to fuel unrest in the region.