Abid Baloch Injured in Shooting After Release from Forced Disappearance in Balochistan
In Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistani security forces have been targeting Baloch activists and leaders who speak out against human rights violations. Recently, a young man named Abid, who had been released after being forcibly disappeared, was injured in a shooting incident in Turbat, Kech district.
According to the Balochistan Post, unknown armed assailants opened fire and seriously wounded Abid near Mehr-e-Hotel in the Aapsar area of Turbat. Abid, the son of Washdil, is a resident of Aapsar and works at a puncture repair shop. He was abducted by Pakistani forces in March 2023 and held captive for ten months before his release.
This attack has raised concerns about a new strategy targeting individuals who have previously been subjected to enforced disappearance. Last month, a similar incident occurred in Singani Sar, where the intended victim narrowly escaped harm. On August 17, 2024, another person, Imtiaz Iqbal, was targeted in Aapsar after being forcibly disappeared earlier on May 17, 2024.
Renowned Baloch activist Dr. Mahrang Baloch condemned the violence on X, stating, “Abid Baloch, who was recently released after being forcibly disappeared, was shot and critically injured in Turbat. This marks the third attack of its kind in two months. We call for immediate action to stop this violence in Balochistan.”
The Baloch National Movement’s human rights wing, Paank, also expressed concern over the incident, highlighting the ongoing pattern of violence and intimidation against those who have been forcibly disappeared and later released, as well as against social activists in Balochistan. Paank urged Pakistani authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the attack and hold those responsible accountable. The organization emphasized the need for immediate action to protect the lives and rights of all citizens, particularly those who have been victims of enforced disappearances.
“The continuing impunity for such attacks only perpetuates the cycle of violence and fear in the region,” Paank added in their statement.
Doubts Revealed
Abid Baloch -: Abid Baloch is a person from Balochistan who was taken away without his will and later released. He was hurt in a shooting.
Forced Disappearance -: Forced disappearance means someone is taken away secretly by people, often by the government or military, and their family doesn’t know where they are.
Balochistan -: Balochistan is a region in Pakistan. It has its own culture and people, and sometimes there are conflicts there.
Quetta -: Quetta is a city in Balochistan, Pakistan. It is an important place in the region.
Pakistani security forces -: Pakistani security forces are the police and military in Pakistan who are supposed to keep the country safe.
Baloch activists -: Baloch activists are people from Balochistan who work to get more rights and better treatment for their people.
Turbat -: Turbat is another city in Balochistan, Pakistan. It is where Abid Baloch was hurt in the shooting.
Enforced disappearance -: Enforced disappearance is when someone is taken away by force and kept hidden, often by the government or military.
Dr. Mahrang Baloch -: Dr. Mahrang Baloch is a Baloch activist who speaks out for the rights of Baloch people.
Baloch National Movement -: The Baloch National Movement is a group that works for the rights and independence of Baloch people.
Paank -: Paank is the human rights wing of the Baloch National Movement. They focus on protecting the rights of Baloch people.
