A young man has reportedly been abducted in Panjgur district of Balochistan, according to local sources, in an incident that has raised fresh concerns over the activities of alleged pro-government armed groups in the region.
Sources state that the individual, identified as Abdullah, son of Abdul Wahid, was taken into custody from the Isa area of Panjgur a day earlier. Eyewitness accounts suggest that armed men arrived in the area and took him away to an undisclosed location.
Local sources have alleged that the individuals involved in the abduction were affiliated with a government-backed armed group, commonly referred to in the region as a “death squad.” However, there has been no official confirmation from authorities regarding the incident or the identity of those responsible.
Such incidents have been reported periodically in various parts of Balochistan, particularly in districts such as Panjgur, Kech, and Turbat. Local residents and human rights groups have, in the past, accused so-called “death squads”—a term used by locals to describe armed groups allegedly operating with state support—of involvement in abductions, targeted killings, and intimidation of civilians.
Pakistani authorities have consistently denied the existence of any state-backed militias, maintaining that security operations in the region are conducted by official law enforcement and military agencies in accordance with the law.
Enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings have remained contentious issues in Balochistan for almost two decades. Families of missing persons and advocacy groups claim that individuals are often detained without due process.
No further details regarding Abdullah’s whereabouts or condition were available at the time of reporting.