Baloch Activist: Pakistan Targets Women, Children in Enforced Disappearances

Baloch activist Hakeem Baloch alleges that Pakistan's security establishment is increasingly targeting women and children in enforced disappearances as a core strategy of repression. He cites the abduction of over eight women in the past year, including a minor and a pregnant woman, intended to pressure families and deter activism. Baloch states the authorities have failed to provide any evidence linking the disappeared to armed groups, with many not presented before courts. He calls for international accountability, specifically highlighting the British government's historical responsibility.

Key Points: Pakistan Using Enforced Disappearances as Strategy: Baloch Activist

  • Women & children now targeted
  • Abductions used as primary control tool
  • State fails to provide evidence
  • International silence enables impunity
  • Psychological trauma for families
2 min read

Baloch activist says Pakistan using enforced disappearances as "core strategy" as women, children targeted

Baloch activist Hakeem Baloch accuses Pakistan of targeting women and children in enforced disappearances to suppress the Baloch national movement.

"baseless propaganda - Hakeem Baloch on state justifications for arrests"

London Januar, y 11

Baloch activist Hakeem Baloch has accused Pakistan's security establishment of continuing to rely on enforced disappearances as its "primary tool of control" in Balochistan, despite years of international scrutiny. He argued that these abductions, now increasingly involving women and children, reflect a deepening phase of state repression.

In an interview with ANI, Baloch said that more than eight to ten Baloch women and girls were abducted in the past year alone, including a 15-year-old and an eight-month pregnant woman.

He claimed that the targeting of women signals a deliberate escalation by Pakistani authorities intended to pressure families and deter participation in the Baloch movement. According to him, women leaders associated with the Baloch Yakjehti Committee have become central to mobilising protests, making them "direct targets" for intimidation.

He also alleged that the state has attempted to justify these arrests through "baseless propaganda," accusing the disappeared women of links to armed groups such as the Baloch Liberation Army's Majid Brigade. However, he noted that the authorities have "failed to produce a single piece of evidence," with many women not even being presented before courts or female police personnel.

Hakeem Baloch said Pakistan continues because the tactic creates both physical trauma for the victims and psychological trauma for their families. He added that the state is "failing to crush the Baloch national movement," and thus resorts to these methods as a means of suppression.

On expectations from the global community, he said the British government holds particular responsibility due to its historical role in partition-era decisions that shaped Balochistan's current political fate.

He stated that continued international silence is enabling Pakistan's security institutions to operate "without accountability," adding that each unaddressed case of disappearance deepens anger and instability across Balochistan.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The international community, especially the UK, must be held accountable for their historical role and their current silence. It's not just a regional issue; it's a humanitarian crisis.
P
Priya S
An eight-month pregnant woman? A 15-year-old girl? This is pure barbarism. Where is the UN? Where are the human rights champions? Their silence is deafening and complicit. #FreeBalochistan
R
Rohit P
While the situation in Balochistan is tragic and deserves global attention, we must also be careful about the sources. We need verified, on-ground reporting from multiple agencies to get the full picture, not just one activist's interview.
K
Kavya N
This pattern is not new. It shows a state that is terrified of its own people. When you can't win hearts and minds, you resort to terror. My heart goes out to the families living in constant fear. 🙏
M
Michael C
The targeting of women leaders is a clear strategy to break the backbone of the movement. It's a cowardly tactic, but also shows how powerful and central these women have become. Their courage is immense.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50