Human Rights Concerns in Balochistan

Enforced Disappearances and Extrajudicial Killings

In Balochistan, Pakistan, human rights abuses are escalating, with reports of extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances. According to a report by Paank, the Baloch National Movement's Human Rights Department, Pakistani soldiers and state-backed groups are involved in arbitrary detentions, abductions, and killings in Balochistan and parts of Sindh.

In January 2025, 107 cases of enforced disappearances were recorded across 14 districts in Balochistan. The Kech district reported the highest number of abductions with 30 cases, followed by Awaran (14), Dera Bugti (11), Panjgur (10), and Gwadar (10). Additionally, two cases were reported in Sindh.

The report also highlights eight instances of extrajudicial killings. Notable cases include Zakria Zaheer, killed in Gwadar on January 11, 2025, after being forcibly disappeared in September 2024, and Muhammad, son of Rozi, shot dead in Mand tehsil on January 14. Student Inayat Ullah Baloch was murdered in Turbat on January 1.

Other victims include Jehanzaib Baloch, who died from injuries sustained during a peaceful protest, and Itefaq Ahmed (Afzal Manzoor), allegedly killed in a staged explosion in Jusak, Turbat, on January 13. Waheed Baloch was shot by Pakistani forces in Mashkil, Chaghi district, while transporting cattle.

One of the most distressing cases involved Pindok, son of Soomar, who was abducted from his home in Awaran on January 14, tortured, and later killed. His body was returned to his family on January 26, raising concerns about state-backed torture and executions.

Human rights groups have long called for international attention to these issues, as families remain in despair over the fate of their loved ones amidst ongoing enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.