Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently detained at Adiala Jail and chairs the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has expressed grave concern over the issue of missing persons in Balochistan, calling it a “very serious” matter. He also acknowledged the work of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, a prominent activist advocating on the issue.
In a statement issued on Friday, Khan said, “The situation in the entire country is now the same as in Balochistan. Many of our Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party workers are also missing. We stand with those affected by this issue and will raise it with international human rights organizations.”
Khan’s comments come as the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), led by Dr. Mahrang Baloch, prepares for its “Baloch Genocide Remembrance Day” gathering on January 25.
The event aims to protest what the BYC calls “repressive state policies” and “ongoing atrocities” in Balochistan, including enforced disappearances. It will also commemorate Baloch people allegedly killed after being forcibly disappeared by Pakistani security forces.
Enforced disappearances have long been a contentious issue in Balochistan, with rights groups accusing Pakistani authorities of targeting activists, students, and civilians under the pretext of counter-terrorism operations.
The Pakistani state has consistently denied such allegations. However, a former prime minister’s acknowledgment of the crisis underscores its severity and raises questions about the state’s continued refusal to address these concerns transparently.