Reports of enforced disappearances in Balochistan have resurfaced with at least eight individuals allegedly taken into custody by Pakistani security forces across various districts in recent days.
In the most recent incident, a man identified as Mohsin Shahwani, son of Deen Mohammad Shahwani, was reportedly detained from his residence in Killi Qambrani, Quetta. Local sources state that Shahwani was taken during a late-night raid and transferred to an unknown location.
This comes shortly after four others, including Sherbaz Bangulzai, son of Imam Bangulzai, were reportedly detained under similar circumstances from the same neighbourhood.
Separately, in the Washuk district’s Nag area, Pakistani law-enforcement forces allegedly raided the home of Mir Haji Hasil Khan Sasoli around 2 AM on the night of 31 July. His son, Abdul Kareem, was reportedly detained and has not been seen since. Family members allege that they were assaulted during the operation and that household property was damaged.
In another case from Kech district, a man named Jafar, son of Ijaz and resident of Hothabad, was reportedly taken into custody on 30 July from the Khairabad area. His whereabouts also remain unknown.
These cases have emerged alongside continued protests by the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP), whose demonstration outside the Quetta Press Club has now reached its 5,899th day. VBMP Chairman Nasrullah Baloch recently highlighted the disappearance of university student Mahjabeen Baloch, who was allegedly taken into custody by state officials from Civil Hospital Quetta. According to VBMP, she has now been missing for 65 days without any court appearance or formal notification to her family.
The VBMP has reiterated its call for authorities to follow due legal process—either presenting the individuals in court if any charges exist, or releasing them if not.
Enforced disappearances remain a longstanding and sensitive issue in Balochistan. Despite ongoing appeals by families and repeated calls from human rights organisations, there has been no visible progress in addressing the situation.