Baloch Students Council Condemns Disappearances of Baloch Students in Pakistan

The Baloch Students Council (BSC) has strongly condemned the increasing number of enforced disappearances of Baloch students, labeling it a severe human rights violation. According to the BSC, ten students were abducted on October 16 and 17, with nine from Karachi and one from Khuzdar. The Council claims this is part of a deliberate campaign by the Pakistani state to suppress Baloch youth.

In a statement on social media, the BSC highlighted the urgent need for political attention to this crisis, using the hashtag #EndEnforcedDisappearances. The Council expressed concern over the growing fear within educational institutions, where Baloch students face harassment and surveillance.

The BSC cited ongoing cases like those of Feroz Baloch and Ahmed Khan, who have been missing for over two years, as examples of the broader issue. The disappearances are seen as attempts to undermine Baloch students’ rights to education and free expression.

Beyond students, the BSC reported that ordinary Baloch citizens are also being abducted, with 82 cases reported this month alone, including incidents in Nushki and Dera Bugti. The Council criticized state authorities for their inaction despite peaceful protests demanding the release of those abducted.

The BSC called on the international community and human rights organizations to intervene, emphasizing that enforced disappearances violate international law. They urged for immediate action and accountability from Pakistan, noting that these acts further marginalize the Baloch community, which has long faced human rights abuses.

The Baloch people, primarily residing in Pakistan’s Balochistan region, have been systematically targeted, creating a climate of fear and silencing dissent and calls for autonomy and human rights.