In Balochistan, the ongoing crisis of enforced disappearances continues to worry human rights groups and local communities. Recently, Pakistani forces allegedly kidnapped at least 11 Baloch civilians in separate raids, highlighting the ongoing pattern of violence and illegal detentions in the region.
According to the Baloch National Movement’s Human Rights Department, these 11 people were forcibly taken from different areas of Balochistan—Dera Bugti and Pirkoh. On Wednesday, four men named Waseem, Muhammad Jan, Muhammad Hussain, and Kaleero were abducted from Dera Bugti City. The next night, seven more, including Ali Hussain, Abdul Sattar, Balak Sher, Atta Muhammad, Nawab Khan, Siddiq, and Gulzar, disappeared from Pir Koh.
The Baloch Republican Party (BRP) has accused Pakistan’s intelligence agencies—specifically the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD)—of illegally detaining these individuals. The BRP claims that these agencies often accuse people of supporting Baloch nationalist leaders like Nawab Brahumdagh Bugti and then demand large ransoms for their release. Those who pay are freed, while others are held for years without trial.
Meanwhile, the families of the victims are protesting continuously. One such protest involves Zahid Ali, a 25-year-old student at the University of Karachi. Zahid was kidnapped by Pakistani forces on July 17 while driving his rickshaw to support his family. His father, Abdul Hameed, who is suffering from hepatitis, has been camping outside the Karachi Press Club for 32 days, demanding Zahid’s safe return. Despite his poor health, Abdul Hameed refuses to leave until his son is found.
The protests aren’t limited to Karachi. Families in Islamabad have been staging a sit-in for 52 days straight, demanding justice and the release of Baloch leaders kidnapped by authorities. These families, including women and children, face extreme heat, rain, and constant surveillance but remain determined to seek justice.
The rights groups say that Pakistani authorities are intentionally ignoring these protests. Instead of addressing the families’ concerns, they have blocked access to important places like the National Press Club and used intimidation tactics against protesters.
The situation in Balochistan remains tense, with enforced disappearances a major human rights issue. Local communities and human rights organizations continue to appeal for justice, calling for the safe return of the disappeared and an end to the illegal detention practices.
