NewKerala.com

Balochistan's Disappeared: Five Civilians Vanish Amid Growing Rights Crisis

Pakistani forces have forcibly disappeared five more Baloch civilians in Dera Bugti district. The raids were conducted by Counter Terrorism Department and ISI officials who looted homes and tortured families. This comes amid a worsening human rights crisis in Balochistan marked by increasing enforced disappearances. The rights body is calling for international pressure to ensure the victims' recovery and hold perpetrators accountable.

Key Points: Five Baloch Civilians Forcibly Disappeared by Pakistani Forces

  • Five civilians identified as Akram, Ahsan, Ibrahim, Mandha Bugti and Noor Din forcibly disappeared
  • Raids conducted by CTD and ISI personnel in Sui region of Dera Bugti
  • Homes looted and families subjected to torture during military operations
  • Rights body demands immediate recovery of missing persons and accountability
  • Separate case of Manan Qadir's disappearance highlights ongoing pattern
  • Calls for UN and global rights groups to pressure Pakistani authorities
2 min read

Another five Baloch civilians forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces: Rights body

Rights group reports five Baloch civilians forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces in Dera Bugti amid worsening human rights crisis in Balochistan.

"These incidents reflect the growing trend of enforced disappearances in Balochistan, constituting a grave violation of human rights - Baloch Voice for Justice"

Quetta, Oct 24

At least five more Baloch civilians were forcibly disappeared by the Pakistani forces in Dera Bugti district of Balochistan amid a worsening human rights crisis in the region, a leading human rights organisation said on Friday.

The latest incident comes against the backdrop of a continuing cycle of persecution marked by a surge in enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture across the province.

Condemning the act, the Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ) stated that the recent raids were carried out by Pakistan's notorious Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel, alongside Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) officials, in the Sui region of Dera Bugti. The rights body stated that during these operations, homes were looted, families were subjected to torture, and five individuals were forcibly disappeared.

The victims were identified as Akram, Ahsan, Ibrahim, Mandha Bugti and his nephew Noor Din.

"These incidents reflect the growing trend of enforced disappearances in Balochistan, constituting a grave violation of human rights and international human rights standards," the BVJ stated.

The rights body demanded that the missing individuals be immediately recovered and their safety ensured, while calling for those responsible for these enforced disappearances to be held accountable and brought to justice.

It also called on the Government of Pakistan to take effective measures to prevent enforced disappearances, in compliance with its international human rights obligations.

The BVJ urged the global human rights organisations, including the United Nations, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, to take notice of these incidents and exert pressure on Pakistani authorities to ensure the recovery of the missing persons and delivery of justice.

Additionally, the human rights body on Friday strongly condemned the enforced disappearance of another Baloch civilian, Manan Qadir, cousin of the forcibly disappeared Rashid Hussain, who has been missing since 2018.

Citing reports, the BVJ stated that Pakistani security forces raided the homes of Rashid Hussain's relatives in the Zehri region five days ago.

"During the operation, forces opened fire on the houses and subjected women and children to violence. Several family members were detained; most have since been released, but Manan Qadir remains in the custody of the forces and his whereabouts are unknown," said the rights body.

The BVJ called on the Pakistani authorities to end the practice of enforced disappearances, disclose the fate and whereabouts of all missing persons, and ensure accountability for those responsible.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The pattern is clear - Pakistan's security agencies have been systematically targeting Baloch civilians for years. When will the UN take concrete action? These disappearances must stop!
J
James A
While I condemn these human rights violations, I hope Indian media also gives equal coverage to human rights issues within our own country. We should maintain high standards in our reporting across all regions.
A
Ananya R
The situation in Balochistan is truly alarming. Families living in constant fear, not knowing if their loved ones will return home. This is not how any government should treat its citizens. 🙏
V
Vikram M
Pakistan's double standards are exposed again. They lecture others about human rights while their own security agencies commit such atrocities. The world needs to see their true face.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked with human rights organizations, I can confirm that enforced disappearances are among the worst violations. The psychological trauma for families is unimaginable. International pressure is crucial here.

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50