A late-night raid in the Kohad area of Tump tehsil, Kech district, has drawn allegations from local residents that Pakistani military forces, accompanied by army-backed local militia, commonly referred to as “death squads”, carried out a house search during which women and children were reportedly subjected to abuse.
According to residents, the incident occurred at approximately 1:00am on May 2, when personnel entered the home of an elderly man identified as Dad Muhammad, son of Chakar. Witnesses alleged that members of the household, including women and children, were physically assaulted and that property inside the house was damaged.
Locals further claimed that Dad Muhammad himself was beaten during the operation. There has been no official statement from security authorities regarding the incident.
Residents also stated that Dad Muhammad’s son, Chakar, had previously been killed in the same area. They attributed the killing to a “death squad”.
The term “death squad” is widely used in parts of Balochistan by residents and activists to describe armed militias allegedly involved in targeting civilians, political workers and others at behest of Pakistan army and intelligence services. Pakistani authorities have not officially recognised the existence of such groups.
Human rights organisations have long raised concerns about allegations of violence, intimidation and lack of accountability in Balochistan. Pakistani officials have consistently denied involvement in unlawful activities and maintain that security operations are conducted in accordance with the law.
The incident underscores continuing tensions in the region, where competing narratives persist regarding security measures and the treatment of civilians.