Family Claims Pakistani Forces Killed Two Brothers in Fake Encounter in Balochistan
In Balochistan, Pakistan, the family of Muhammad Ismail, 20, and Muhammad Abbas, 17, allege that Pakistani security forces killed the brothers in a fake encounter on September 7. The family claims the brothers were taken from their home and shot nearby, contradicting the military’s statement that the two were killed in a clearance operation.
The mother of the victims recounted how Pakistani forces raided their home at 1 am, forcibly took her two sons, and killed them a short distance away. She said, “They threw a grenade into our house and started shooting,” adding that her sons were taken despite their pleas. Muhammad Ismail reportedly suffered from a medical condition that left him partially paralysed without daily medication, while Muhammad Abbas worked long hours in the fields to support his family and pay for his father’s medical treatment.
The family rushed to the scene after hearing gunfire and found the two lifeless bodies riddled with bullets. They insist that no authority has been held accountable for the killings. This account sharply contrasts the statement made by ISPR, which stated that the ‘operation’ in Kalat had resulted in the killing of two ‘suspected individuals’ following reports of suspicious activity in the area.
The incident has heightened concerns in Balochistan, where military operations are often viewed with suspicion. Rights groups and media reports have previously documented cases of staged encounters in the region, with victims frequently being Baloch missing persons who are killed after Pakistani forces suffer losses in attacks by “pro-independence” armed groups. Human rights organizations and advocates have also consistently raised concerns about extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in the region. Families of victims have long demanded accountability, transparency, and justice in these cases.
Doubts Revealed
Balochistan -: Balochistan is a region in Pakistan. It’s one of the four provinces of the country and is known for its mountainous terrain and rich natural resources.
Fake Encounter -: A fake encounter is when security forces kill someone and then falsely claim it was in self-defense or during a fight. It’s like pretending a fight happened when it didn’t.
Pakistani Security Forces -: Pakistani security forces include the army, police, and other groups that protect the country. They are supposed to keep people safe and maintain order.
Extrajudicial Killings -: Extrajudicial killings are when someone is killed by authorities without a legal trial. It’s like being punished without a judge deciding if you’re guilty or not.
Enforced Disappearances -: Enforced disappearances happen when people are secretly taken away by authorities and their families don’t know where they are. It’s like someone being kidnapped by the government.
