Akhtar Shah and Sahaj Mengal Abducted by Pakistan Armed Forces in Balochistan
Quetta, Balochistan – On September 23, two young men, Akhtar Shah and Sahaj Mengal, were forcibly taken from their homes by Pakistan’s armed forces in the Killi Pandrani area. The Balochistan Post reported that a large number of Pakistani forces surrounded the area, conducted home raids, and detained the two men, blindfolding them and placing them into their vehicles. Their current whereabouts are unknown, and district authorities have not commented on the incident.
Earlier, on September 22, two other youths, Musa son of Khaliqdad and Sameer son of Majeed, were also forcibly disappeared. They were abducted by Pakistan Security Forces at the Dasht Doro military checkpoint while traveling from Gwadar to Kapkapar. The Baloch National Movement’s Human Rights Department expressed deep concern over these disappearances and urged Pakistani authorities to disclose their whereabouts and ensure their safe return.
According to The Balochistan Post, 37 people were forcibly disappeared across Balochistan in August alone, with 9 individuals still missing and 6 bodies recovered. Despite ongoing protests and international awareness, the Pakistani administration has ignored calls for justice. The military’s unchecked power and a complicit government have created an environment of fear and repression in Balochistan.
The people of Balochistan are calling for international attention to address these human rights violations. The rising incidence of enforced disappearances highlights the brutal tactics employed by the Pakistan Army to silence the Baloch people’s demands for dignity and justice.
Doubts Revealed
Balochistan -: Balochistan is a region in Pakistan. It is known for its beautiful landscapes and is rich in natural resources, but it has also faced many conflicts and issues.
Pakistan Armed Forces -: The Pakistan Armed Forces are the military forces of Pakistan. They include the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and they protect the country and its people.
Abducted -: Abducted means taken away by force. In this context, it means that Akhtar Shah and Sahaj Mengal were taken from their homes without their consent.
Killi Pandrani -: Killi Pandrani is a small village or area in Balochistan. It is where Akhtar Shah and Sahaj Mengal were living when they were taken.
Dasht Doro -: Dasht Doro is a military checkpoint in Balochistan. A checkpoint is a place where people are stopped and checked by the military or police.
Baloch National Movement -: The Baloch National Movement is a group that works for the rights and independence of the Baloch people. They focus on human rights and political issues in Balochistan.
Human Rights Department -: The Human Rights Department is a part of the Baloch National Movement that focuses on protecting people’s basic rights and freedoms.
Forcibly disappeared -: Forcibly disappeared means that people are taken away and their families do not know where they are or what has happened to them. It is a serious human rights issue.