Pakistani forces have reportedly detained two individuals and subsequently made them disappear.
The individuals who have gone missing have been identified as Amanullah, son of Eid Muhammad, and Akram, son of Dad Muhammad.
According to reports, Akram was taken into custody by Pakistani forces today from Balochistan’s coastal city of Gwadar in the Panwan area, while Amanullah was detained on August 12, in Uthal, Balochistan. Amanullah’s detention was confirmed today.
Enforced Disappearances in Balochistan:
Balochistan has long been a region of conflict and human rights abuses. The region is rich in natural resources, yet its population faces extreme poverty, underdevelopment, and neglect. The Baloch people have often demanded greater autonomy, control over their resources, and independence, which has led to a long-standing insurgency in the region.
In response, Pakistani security forces have conducted extensive operations in Balochistan. These operations are frequently accompanied by allegations of human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances.
Enforced disappearances, in particular, have become a grim hallmark of the conflict in Balochistan. Activists, students, and political figures are often the targets of such actions, allegedly carried out by Pakistani security forces or their affiliated groups. These individuals are abducted, often without any legal warrant, and their whereabouts remain unknown for extended periods, sometimes permanently.
Rights Groups’ Stance on the Issue:
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, among other organizations, have repeatedly expressed concern over the situation in Balochistan. They have accused Pakistani law enforcement and intelligence agencies of being responsible for these enforced disappearances.
Amnesty International has stated: “The practice of enforced disappearances in Balochistan is not only a severe violation of human rights but also a breach of Pakistan’s own laws. Those who are forcibly disappeared are often tortured, and their families are left in anguish, not knowing whether their loved ones are dead or alive.”
Human Rights Watch has similarly criticized the Pakistani authorities, saying: “Pakistani security forces have a long history of abuses in Balochistan, including the enforced disappearances of suspected militants, activists, and ordinary citizens. These actions are carried out with impunity, and there is a dire need for accountability and justice for the victims and their families.”
The ongoing situation in Balochistan remains a significant human rights concern, with calls for greater international attention and intervention to address these abuses.