Families of victims in Balochistan have raised serious allegations against Pakistani security forces, accusing them of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in two separate but related incidents highlighting the deteriorating human rights situation in the region.
In a recent statement, the families of 13-year-old Mehrab, son of Rahmdil and 17-year-old Khan Muhammad, son of Haibtan, revealed that their children were shot dead by Pakistani forces on April 4, 2025, in the Kocha Tara Jabrain area of Buleda. According to the families, the two boys were engaged in seasonal bird hunting in local wheat fields when a patrolling convoy opened indiscriminate fire, killing them on the spot.
The families claim that despite five days having passed since the incident, the authorities have refused to hand over the bodies to them. The remains have not been transferred to Turbat Civil Hospital’s morgue, raising concerns over decomposition and disrespect to the deceased.
Waseem Safar, a political and social activist from the region, denounced the killings, stating that the forces acted out of confusion and panic, taking innocent lives and now attempting to hide the incident by withholding the bodies. He criticized Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) for falsely labelling the boys as militants, arguing that they were minors with no ties to any armed group.
Safar warned that if the bodies are not returned to the families, they, along with civil society and political organizations, will be forced to hold protest demonstrations demanding accountability and justice.
In a separate case, the family of forcibly disappeared Zaheerd Baloch raised their concerns during a meeting with Nasrullah Baloch, chairman of the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP). The family alleged that they are being collectively punished and subjected to harassment, even though Zaheer was a government employee with no history of illegal activity. He was abducted on June 27, 2024, on his way home from his office in the Sariab area of Quetta, reportedly by personnel from the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and other state agencies.
The family has already lodged peaceful protests and participated in official hearings before the Commission on Missing Persons, yet no information regarding Zaheer’s whereabouts has been provided. The psychological and emotional toll on the family has been immense.
Nasrullah Baloch assured them of VBMP’s continued support and vowed to raise Zaheer’s case at all forums. He condemned the use of collective punishment and described it as a blatant violation of the Constitution and human rights. He emphasized that such extrajudicial practices have left the people of Balochistan feeling unsafe and alienated.
He urged the Pakistani government and security agencies to adopt a lawful and transparent approach in Balochistan. He called for the immediate recovery of all forcibly disappeared persons, including Zaheer Baloch, and demanded that anyone accused of crimes be presented in court rather than being subjected to fake encounters and unlawful detentions.