Prominent journalist Niaz Baloch has revealed that he has recently been targeted by individuals from Pakistani intelligence agencies who have issued serious threats against him – including threats of enforced disappearance.
In a strongly worded statement, Baloch highlighted the growing risks faced by professionals in Balochistan, stating that journalists, teachers, doctors, lawyers, writers, singers, students, and political activists are no longer safe. “Anyone who dares to speak against oppression and injustice is either disappeared or killed by so-called ‘unknown persons,’” he said, referring to the “death squads” that operate with impunity and spread terror in the region.
Baloch has made an urgent appeal to the international community, the United Nations, and global human rights organizations to take immediate and effective notice of the human rights violations taking place in Balochistan.
“Silence will only lead to more bloodshed,” he warned. “The oppressed people of Balochistan are crying out for justice and protection. It is time for the conscience of the world to awaken and hear their voice.”
It is worth noting that in recent years, dozens of journalists have either been killed or forcibly disappeared in Balochistan, where freedom of expression is widely regarded as being under severe threat.