The family of a young man from the Dasht Hoshab area of Kech district has claimed that their relative, Tahir son of Allah Bakhsh, has been missing since Monday. According to the family, Tahir was last seen in Gwadar, where he had taken his vehicle to a garage for repairs. The youth is reportedly involved in the small-scale oil trade, using his vehicle as part of his business.
Family members allege that after his disappearance, they made inquiries and were told by the Pakistan Coast Guard that Tahir was in their custody and would be released soon. However, when they followed up again, the authorities denied having him in custody.
Tahir’s relatives have strongly denied any political affiliations, stating that he is merely a businessman and not connected to any political or militant activity. They have appealed for his immediate release, calling his detention unjustified and unlawful.
Enforced disappearances have remained a deeply controversial and painful issue in Balochistan for years. Numerous human rights organizations and local activists have accused Pakistani security forces of detaining Baloch youth without due process, often in the name of counterinsurgency or national security.
While the government denies the practice, citing security concerns and lack of evidence, rights groups like Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) have repeatedly raised alarms over the issue. Many families, like Tahir’s, claim that their loved ones have been detained without charge and are often kept incommunicado for indefinite periods.
The incident has further intensified concerns over the role of Pakistani paramilitary forces, such as the Coast Guard, in civilian matters, especially in the restive and militarized region of Balochistan.
As of now, no official statement has been released by the Coast Guard or any government body regarding Tahir’s whereabouts or legal status.