Journalist Hayat Khan Khetran and Activists Missing in Balochistan
The Human Rights Council of Balochistan has condemned the ongoing harassment, detention, and enforced disappearances of journalists and social activists by Pakistani forces. In a post on X, the Council stated that on August 28, journalist Hayat Khan Khetran, along with Asif Baloch and Hayat Shah Baloch from the Barkhan Youth Union, were abducted by the Frontier Corps in Barkhan. Their current whereabouts remain unknown.
The Council emphasized that Balochistan is one of the most deprived regions in terms of media freedom and the free flow of information. Local journalists and social activists play a crucial role in exposing the realities faced by the people of Balochistan. Their abductions are seen as blatant violations of fundamental human rights and an attempt to silence voices of truth and justice. The Council demands the immediate and safe release of the disappeared individuals and calls for respect for human rights and freedom of speech.
This statement comes ahead of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, observed annually on August 30. This day raises awareness about the serious human rights violation of enforced disappearances, honors victims and their families, and advocates for justice and accountability. In Balochistan, this day holds significant relevance due to the region’s ongoing struggles with enforced disappearances.
Balochistan, a region in southwestern Pakistan, has been deeply affected by enforced disappearances. Human rights organizations and local activists report that individuals, including journalists, activists, and political dissenters, are often abducted by security forces or other actors. These abductions are used as tools of intimidation and repression, aimed at silencing dissent and stifling calls for greater autonomy or independence.
Doubts Revealed
Hayat Khan Khetran -: Hayat Khan Khetran is a journalist, which means he writes news stories and reports about what is happening in the world. He is from a place called Balochistan.
Balochistan -: Balochistan is a region in Pakistan. It is known for its beautiful landscapes but also has many problems like lack of media freedom.
Human Rights Council of Balochistan -: This is a group that works to make sure people in Balochistan are treated fairly and their rights are protected.
harassment -: Harassment means bothering or troubling someone repeatedly in a way that is not nice.
detention -: Detention means keeping someone in a place, like a jail, and not letting them go.
enforced disappearances -: Enforced disappearances happen when people are taken away secretly by the government or other groups, and no one knows where they are.
Pakistani forces -: Pakistani forces are the military and police in Pakistan who are supposed to keep the country safe.
Frontier Corps -: The Frontier Corps is a special group of soldiers in Pakistan who work in areas near the borders.
Barkhan Youth Union -: This is a group of young people in Barkhan, a place in Balochistan, who work together to help their community.
media freedom -: Media freedom means that journalists can write and report news without being controlled or stopped by the government.
International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances -: This is a special day on August 30 when people remember and think about those who have been taken away secretly and are missing.
