Concerns Rise as Three Baloch Individuals, Including Journalist Hayat Khan Khetran, Go Missing in Pakistan
Quetta, Pakistan – August 29: Three members of the Baloch community were reportedly detained and taken to undisclosed locations by Pakistani security forces, raising concerns about enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan.
Detention of Naseebullah
In the Gwadar region, Naseebullah, the son of Haji Nazir Ahmed and a shop owner from Kharan district, was allegedly arrested by Pakistani armed forces and the Counter-Terrorism Department. He was reportedly detained near a school and taken to an unknown location. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) confirmed the incident and claimed the arrest was baseless. They, along with Naseebullah’s family, have demanded his immediate release and warned of protests if their demands are not met.
Disappearance of Jawed
On the same day, in the Kech district, a laborer named Jawed from Gokdan Turbat went missing. He was allegedly detained by Pakistani security forces while traveling to a satellite town, and his whereabouts remain unknown. Jawed’s mother has appealed for his safe release, stating, “If any charges exist against him, he should be brought before a court rather than being subjected to enforced disappearance.”
Abduction of Journalist Hayat Khan Khetran
Journalist Hayat Khan Khetran from Barkhan was reportedly abducted on the orders of a Frontier Corps (FC) Colonel. According to his family, Colonel Babar Khalil of the FC Kohlu 86 Wing, along with other personnel, took Hayat Khan to an undisclosed location. The family has had no contact with him since the abduction and accused Colonel Babar Khalil of orchestrating the disappearance. They are calling for his immediate and safe return and have appealed to the government, senior officials, and the journalist community for assistance. The family has warned of strong protests if the authorities fail to act.
These incidents have intensified concerns about the safety and rights of individuals in Balochistan and highlight the ongoing issues of enforced disappearances in the region.
Doubts Revealed
Baloch -: Baloch refers to people from Balochistan, a region in Pakistan. They have their own culture and language.
Hayat Khan Khetran -: Hayat Khan Khetran is a journalist from Balochistan. Journalists report news and stories to the public.
Enforced disappearances -: Enforced disappearances happen when people are taken away secretly by authorities or groups, and their families don’t know where they are.
Balochistan -: Balochistan is a province in Pakistan. It is known for its deserts and mountains.
Naseebullah -: Naseebullah is a shop owner from Gwadar, a city in Balochistan.
Gwadar -: Gwadar is a port city in Balochistan, Pakistan. It is important for trade and shipping.
Jawed -: Jawed is a laborer from Kech, another area in Balochistan.
Kech -: Kech is a district in Balochistan, Pakistan. It is also known as Turbat.
Frontier Corps -: The Frontier Corps is a paramilitary force in Pakistan. They help maintain security in border areas.
Colonel -: A Colonel is a high-ranking officer in the military. They have a lot of authority and responsibility.
Advocacy groups -: Advocacy groups are organizations that work to support and protect people’s rights. They often speak out on important issues.