Pakistani forces and members of a state-backed armed group, locally referred to as a “death squad”, allegedly raided a house in Killi Jamaldini, Nushki district, assaulted women and set the house and other structures on fire on Wednesday morning.
The term “death squad” is widely used in Balochistan to refer to alleged state-backed armed groups accused of targeting civilians, political activists, human rights defenders and members of Baloch armed groups.
According to local residents, Pakistani forces and members of the alleged death squad raided the home of Altaf Jamaldini, who had been killed the previous day in a shooting attributed by residents to a state-backed armed group. The raid took place early in the morning while people were gathered at the house to offer condolences and recite prayers for the deceased.
Eyewitnesses said those present at the house were harassed and subjected to violence. After allegedly assaulting the women, the personnel locked them inside rooms. Other houses and tents in the area were also set ablaze, according to eyewitness accounts.
The incident has sparked widespread anger in the area. Residents accused police of providing protection to criminal elements rather than protecting the public, and said they had failed to prevent such incidents.