Pakistan: Alarming surge in forced disappearances in Balochistan
Enforced Disappearances in Balochistan: Rising Concerns and Calls for International Intervention
In recent developments, six more individuals have been detained by Pakistani forces in Balochistan and Dera Ghazi Khan, adding to the alarming increase in enforced disappearances in the region this month. The Balochistan Post reported that two men from Mashkay in Balochistan's Nookjo locality were detained on November 11, and their whereabouts remain unknown.
In another incident, Wahab and Sameer were taken into custody while hunting in Kech district's Buleda area. Their relatives claim they were moved to a military facility and have been missing since. Additionally, in Dera Ghazi Khan, two individuals, Azam Jan Marri and Nabi Lal, were forcibly disappeared. Notably, Nabi Lal's father, Qaisar Marri, was killed by Pakistani forces in 2012.
Advocacy groups are raising alarms over the increasing number of enforced disappearances in Balochistan. This month alone, 33 cases have been reported, while 127 disappearances were documented in October by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) and Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP). Although some individuals have been released, many remain missing.
The BYC has called for international human rights organisations to intervene, describing the situation as "systematic state repression and genocide" of the Baloch people. They emphasize that human rights violations have affected every family in Balochistan and urge global action.
Separately, the Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ) has launched a campaign to mark the 11th anniversary of Saifullah Rodeni's disappearance. Rodeni, a police constable, was forcibly taken on November 22, 2013, while traveling from Surab to Khuzdar, and his fate remains unknown. The BVJ is calling on activists, journalists, and students to join the campaign to raise awareness and pressure authorities for Rodeni's recovery.
This ongoing wave of disappearances highlights the urgent need for accountability and international intervention to address human rights abuses in Balochistan.
Doubts Revealed
Enforced Disappearances
Enforced disappearances happen when people are secretly taken away by authorities or groups, and their whereabouts are not revealed. This is a serious human rights issue because families do not know where their loved ones are.
Balochistan
Balochistan is a region in Pakistan known for its natural resources and cultural diversity. It has faced political and social unrest for many years.
Dera Ghazi Khan
Dera Ghazi Khan is a city in the Punjab province of Pakistan. It is known for its historical significance and is located near Balochistan.
Advocacy Groups
Advocacy groups are organizations that work to support and promote certain causes or issues. They often raise awareness and push for changes in policies or laws.
Baloch Yakjehti Committee
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee is a group that works to unite Baloch people and address issues affecting them. They often speak out against injustices faced by the Baloch community.
International Intervention
International intervention means when countries or global organizations get involved in a situation to help resolve issues. This can include diplomatic efforts, sanctions, or peacekeeping missions.
Saifullah Rodeni
Saifullah Rodeni was a person from Balochistan who disappeared 11 years ago. His case is often mentioned to highlight the issue of enforced disappearances in the region.
Baloch Voice for Justice
The Baloch Voice for Justice is an organization that advocates for the rights and justice of Baloch people. They work to bring attention to human rights violations in Balochistan.
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