Pakistani law enforcement agencies, including the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), have allegedly forcibly disappeared Bebarg Zehri Baloch, a central committee member of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), along with his brother, Dr. Hammal Zehri Baloch, a PhD scholar and biotechnologist. The incident occurred in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, where security checks and raids have been intensified in recent days.
In an official statement shared on X, the BYC strongly condemned the enforced disappearance of its senior leader and his brother.
“At approximately 5:30 AM on March 20, personnel from state forces, including the so-called Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), raided the residence of Bebarg Zehri in Quetta and forcibly took him and his brother into custod,”
the statement read.
“Dr. Hammal Baloch, a PhD holder, was also abducted in this blatant act of repression aimed at silencing Baloch voices. The BYC unequivocally condemns these unlawful abductions and demands the immediate and unconditional release of both individuals.”
Bebarg Baloch is a prominent Baloch activist who has been differently-abled since 2010, after suffering a spinal cord injury in an attack allegedly carried out by government-backed militias, locally known as “Death Squads.” His latest disappearance has sparked condemnation from students, political activists, and human rights organizations across Balochistan.
In a separate development, police and CTD personnel allegedly raided the girls’ hostel of Bolan Medical College (BMC), checking students’ rooms and identification cards. Reports suggest some female students faced harassment during the operation, although no arrests were made.
Meanwhile, security across Quetta remains on high alert, with a heavy presence of forces deployed into Wednesday night. Large contingents were observed around the Quetta Press Club, Civil Hospital, and the Chief Minister’s House. Authorities have stepped up security measures around government offices, military cantonments, and the provincial assembly, particularly since last week.
Late on Wednesday, additional raids reportedly occurred in the Sariab area, with local sources claiming political activists and others were forcibly disappeared. Further details about the latest abductions are still awaited.
It is worth noting that Quetta has been under a high-security threat alert for more than a week. Activists and family members are calling for the immediate release of Bebarg Baloch and Dr. Hammal Baloch, amid broader worries about the increasing numberof enforced disappearances and heightened security crackdowns across Balochistan.