A Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) officer previously convicted in the custodial killing of Baloch youth Balach Mola Bakhsh in Turbat, Kech district, has reportedly been promoted to Grade 18, sparking widespread outrage.
In a post on X, Norway-based journalist Kiyya Baloch said that CTD officer Aadil Aamir—allegedly responsible for ordering Balach’s extrajudicial killing in November 2023, an incident that sparked widespread protests and a month-long sit-in in Islamabad—has now been promoted to Grade 18.
Criticizing the decision, he wrote: “Look at the priorities of this state—how it protects and promotes thug-like, criminal-minded officers at the expense of the people. Rao Anwar and Aadil Aamir, both accused of extrajudicial killings, were shielded despite massive public outcry.”
Human rights activist and lawyer Imaan Mazari also condemned the promotion, calling it “a testament to a ‘terrorist state’ that rewards those who shed Baloch blood.”
She further said, “Such individuals are considered assets by the Pakistani state, which continues its genocidal policies against the Baloch people.”
Background: The Custodial Killing of Balach Mola Bakhsh
In December 2023, the Balochistan High Court (BHC) ordered the immediate suspension of four CTD personnel, including Aadil Aamir, in connection with the extrajudicial killing of Balach in Turbat.
Balach was forcibly taken from his home on October 29, and later produced in court on November 21. The CTD alleged that he had been caught with five kilograms of explosives, and an FIR was filed against him the same day.
However, just two days later, on the night of November 22-23, Balach’s dead body was brought to Turbat Teaching Hospital, where his family identified him.
The CTD initially claimed that Balach was killed in an intelligence-based operation on Pasni Road, stating that four insurgents had been neutralized. Later, a more detailed version alleged that Balach had led CTD personnel to a hideout, where he was killed in crossfire between CTD and militants.
Balach’s family rejected the CTD’s claims, asserting that he was forcibly disappeared weeks earlier and later extrajudicially executed.
Protests erupted in Turbat, where thousands of demonstrators staged protests with Balach’s body, leading to a month-long sit-in in Islamabad, demanding justice and accountability.
Subsequently, an FIR was lodged against the four CTD officials, and the Balochistan High Court (BHC) ordered the suspension of Aadil Aamir and three other officers in connection with Balach’s extrajudicial killing.
Despite legal action and strong public opposition, CTD officer Aadil Aamir has now been promoted to Grade 18, raising serious concerns about accountability in cases of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan.
Activists and journalists argue that this move signals state protection for officials accused of human rights violations, further deepening grievances in a region already struggling against systematic repression.