The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed “grave concern” over the human rights crisis in Balochistan following a recent fact-finding mission, warning that continued impunity and shrinking democratic space are fueling political instability and public alienation in the region.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the HRCP highlighted a range of alarming trends, including the “continued practice of enforced disappearances,” erosion of provincial autonomy, and a “culture of impunity” that remains unchecked by authorities. The mission also warned that the deliberate shrinking of civic space is deepening public mistrust in state institutions.
The HRCP noted that, while state representatives now “acknowledge the existence of enforced disappearances,” they continue to frame the issue “within a security narrative that treats the practice as a byproduct of insurgency.”
The Commission cautioned that this approach “risks normalizing what international human rights law considers a crime against humanity.” The report called for independent investigations into allegations of reprisals against those who speak out against enforced disappearances.
While the HRCP condemned “militant attacks targeting ordinary citizens, including non-Baloch settlers,” as “indefensible” and stressed that perpetrators must be prosecuted, it also raised deep concern over the enactment of the Anti-Terrorism (Balochistan Amendment) Act 2025.
The law permits 90-day detentions “without meaningful judicial oversight,” raising fears of increased torture and abuse. The HRCP urged the government to repeal the act and ensure that counterterrorism measures are in line with Pakistan’s human rights obligations.
The report further said that “electoral manipulation and the political marginalization of nationalist parties have severely eroded public confidence in the democratic system.” The mission recommended that the government “investigate credible allegations of electoral rigging” and “depoliticize administrative structures to avoid further political alienation.”
Among other recommendations, the HRCP mission called for the demilitarization of civilian law enforcement and the establishment of a unified civilian police force with adequate resources and training in community-based, rights-compliant policing. The Commission said this is necessary to reduce excessive reliance on paramilitary and military institutions.
The HRCP also warned against attempts to “delegitimize civil society movements such as the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC),” noting that “equating human rights advocacy with militancy only deepens alienation, especially among the youth.” The state, the Commission said, must publicly affirm the role of human rights defenders and guarantee their protection.
The fact-finding mission called on the government to reinstate constitutional protections under the 18th Amendment and to respect provincial autonomy in natural resource management. It urged authorities to revisit “controversial projects such as Saindak” and to review amendments to the Balochistan Mines and Minerals Act to ensure local consultation and equitable benefit-sharing.
The HRCP mission warned that unless the state urgently initiates a transparent, inclusive and rights-based political solution, political and security conditions in Balochistan will continue to deteriorate. The mission further cautioned that “the risk of ethnic reprisals beyond the province is real and growing, threatening national cohesion.” The Commission concluded by calling for “principled leadership rather than further securitization.”