Two People Missing in Balochistan, Families and Human Rights Groups Concerned

In the Konshkalat area of Balochistan’s Tump, two individuals named Nasrat and Dad Dost have gone missing after being detained by Pakistani forces on the night of August 30. Their whereabouts remain unknown, causing serious concerns among residents and human rights organizations.

The families of Nasrat and Dad Dost are worried about their safety, given the ongoing issue of enforced disappearances in the region. In a related development, two other individuals, Murtaza and Shehsawar, who were previously reported missing from the Prom area of Panjgur, have safely returned home. However, the circumstances of their release are unclear.

These incidents highlight the ongoing tension and insecurity in Balochistan, where enforced disappearances have become a troubling norm. Local communities and advocacy groups are calling for greater transparency and accountability from Pakistani security forces.

Over the past two decades, organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have reported numerous cases of individuals being forcibly disappeared by security forces. These disappearances often involve extrajudicial detentions, causing immense suffering to the families of the missing persons.

Human rights groups and local advocacy organizations, such as the Balochistan National Party (BNP) and the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP), have been actively working to address these violations. They have organized rallies, public awareness campaigns, and legal actions to press for accountability and the safe recovery of missing persons. Despite facing significant challenges, including harassment and repression from authorities, these groups persist in their efforts to seek justice and transparency.

The international community has also expressed concern, with various UN bodies and international human rights organizations calling for investigations and urging the Pakistani government to address the issue comprehensively. Despite these efforts, the situation remains dire, with enforced disappearances continuing to undermine trust in state institutions and perpetuate a climate of fear and insecurity in Balochistan.