Ustad Wahid Kambar’s Disappearance Sparks International Outcry
The human rights situation in Balochistan is worsening with increasing enforced disappearances. The Baloch National Movement (BNM) has called for international intervention after Ustad Wahid Kambar, a key figure in the Baloch liberation movement, was reportedly abducted by Pakistani intelligence agencies on July 19, 2024, in Iran.
BNM spokesperson Qazi Dad Mohammad Rehan stated that since Kambar’s abduction, there has been no confirmed information regarding his whereabouts. Rehan condemned the abduction, highlighting Kambar’s lifelong commitment to resisting Pakistan’s occupation and advocating for Balochistan’s liberation. The BNM demands his immediate recovery and the restoration of his legal rights.
The BNM has urged the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to recognize Kambar as a prisoner of war and to take action to raise awareness of his case. They also call for international support to ensure his rights are upheld under international laws pertaining to freedom movements and anti-colonial struggles.
Kambar, a veteran leader of the Baloch National Movement, has previously endured extrajudicial arrest, torture, and imprisonment on false charges by Pakistani authorities. After his release, he resumed his leadership role in advocating for the freedom of Balochistan.
The BNM highlighted that Baloch individuals who have fled Pakistani oppression are also targeted by inhumane policies. Notable recent incidents include the targeted killings of prominent Baloch figures such as former BSO-Azad chairperson Karima Baloch in Canada, journalist Sajid Hussain in Sweden, and Balach Marri, Ustad Aslam Baloch, Chunka Mir Abdul Nabi Bagulzai, and Engineer Abdul Raziq Baloch in Afghanistan.
Furthermore, Pakistani intelligence forces have been implicated in attacks against Baloch individuals in neighbouring Iran, including a missile strike on the home of BNM leader Dosta Baloch in Sham Sar, which resulted in civilian casualties.
Doubts Revealed
Ustad Wahid Kambar -: Ustad Wahid Kambar is a person who is important in the Baloch liberation movement, which is a group of people who want more freedom for Balochistan.
Balochistan -: Balochistan is a region that is partly in Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. Some people there want more rights and freedom.
enforced disappearances -: Enforced disappearances happen when people are taken away secretly by the government or other groups, and no one knows where they are.
Baloch National Movement (BNM) -: The Baloch National Movement is a group that fights for the rights and freedom of the people in Balochistan.
international intervention -: International intervention means that other countries or global organizations get involved to help solve a problem.
Pakistani intelligence agencies -: Pakistani intelligence agencies are groups in Pakistan that gather information to protect the country, but sometimes they are accused of doing bad things like taking people away secretly.
International Committee of the Red Cross -: The International Committee of the Red Cross is a global organization that helps people affected by war and violence, making sure they are treated well.
prisoner of war -: A prisoner of war is someone who is captured during a conflict or war and has certain rights under international law.