The United Nations working groups have sought clarification from the Government of Pakistan regarding the alleged extrajudicial killing of journalist and human rights defender Abdul Latif Baloch and his son Saif Baloch, as well as the arrest of human rights activist Gulzar Dost.
In a joint letter issued on 13 August 2025, UN Special Rapporteurs expressed deep concern over the reported killings, alleged reprisals against the family of Abdul Latif Baloch, and the detention of Gulzar Dost. The experts urged the Pakistani authorities to conduct a full, independent, and transparent investigation into the incidents.
According to the letter, Abdul Latif Baloch was shot dead on 24 May 2025 by unidentified armed men at his home in Mashkay, Awaran district. His son, Saif Baloch, had reportedly been detained by Pakistani military personnel on 28 February 2025 and subsequently disappeared. His body was later found on 26 March.
The letter further noted that Abdul Latif Baloch had previously been detained and allegedly subjected to torture by security agencies, while his brother, Rasheed Ali Baloch, was reportedly killed in custody in 2011.
The UN experts also raised concerns over the arrest of Gulzar Dost, coordinator of the Turbat Civil Society Forum, who was taken from his home on 6 July 2025. He was charged under anti-terrorism laws, though no arrest warrant was presented at the time. Gulzar Dost was later released on bail on 1 August.
The UN representatives stated that there is growing international concern over extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and the misuse of anti-terrorism laws in Balochistan, particularly targeting human rights defenders, journalists, and members of the Baloch minority.
The letter asked the Pakistani government to provide seven specific clarifications, including details on the investigations into the killings of Abdul Latif, Saif, and Rasheed Baloch; the legal basis for the arrest of Gulzar Dost; and steps taken to reform anti-terrorism legislation.
The UN experts emphasised that Pakistan, as part of its international obligations, must ensure the right to life, freedom of expression, and the protection of human rights defenders.