Human rights activists have raised alarm over a recent spike in enforced disappearances in Pakistan-occupied Balochistan, with five new cases reported in the districts of Kech and Kharan over the past week.
The victims include:
- – Siraj Ahmed, son of Shafi Muhammad, detained by the Pak Army-backed operatives on July 14, 2024, in the Nudaz area of Turbat, Kech district.
- – Ziaullah, son of Fazal Muhammad Chanal, reportedly taken by Pak security forces from Kubdani street in Kharan city on July 15, 2024.
- – Mukhtiar Ahmed, son of Abdul Hameed Mengal, detained by law enforcement agencies in the Sarawan area of Kharan district on July 15, 2024.
- – Hafeezullah, also a son of Fazal Muhammad Chanal, reportedly disappeared from the same location as his brother Ziaullah on July 15, 2024.
- – Manzoor Ahmed, son of Atis Yalanzal, taken by Pak security forces from Kubdani street in Kharan city on July 18, 2024.
These incidents are part of persistent pattern of enforced disappearances in the region. Such tactics have been employed by the Pak Army since 1948 when it took control of the area.
While the region’s natural resources have been exploited, the local population faces ongoing human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances, marginalization, and extrajudicial killings.
The recent cases have renewed calls for transparency and accountability from both local and international human rights organizations. Demands for the immediate release of these individuals and an end to the practice of enforced disappearances are echoing in the form of protests and sit-ins.