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Balochistan's Disappearing Act: Why Another Civilian Abduction Raises Alarm

Another civilian has vanished in Balochistan amid growing concerns about enforced disappearances. Faraz Ahmed was reportedly abducted from Quetta's Satellite Town area on November 5. This marks the latest in a series of similar incidents across the province. Human rights organization Paank is demanding immediate investigation and international attention to the crisis.

Key Points: Pakistani Forces Abduct Baloch Civilian Amid Rights Concerns

  • Faraz Ahmed abducted from Satellite Town area in Quetta on November 5
  • Four other Baloch civilians disappeared recently including PPL employee Abdullah
  • Rights body condemns pattern of enforced disappearances across multiple districts
  • Paank calls for UN intervention and transparent investigations
2 min read

Pakistani forces abduct another civilian in Balochistan, rights body raise alarm

Human rights group Paank reports Faraz Ahmed's abduction in Quetta, marking latest in wave of enforced disappearances across Balochistan province.

"We stand with the family during this distressing time and urge an immediate, transparent investigation - Paank"

Quetta, Nov 8

Another Baloch civilian has been forcibly disappeared by Pakistani forces in Balochistan amid a growing wave of enforced disappearance across the province, said a leading human rights organisation on Saturday.

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.

Expressing concern -- Paank -- the Baloch National Movement's Human Rights Department mentioned that Faraz Ahmed, a resident of Peer Muhammad Bazaar in Panjgur District, was abducted on November 5 from the Satellite Town area of provincial capital Quetta.

The rights body called on the concerned authorities to verify Faraz's whereabouts, ensure his safety, and uphold due process and fundamental rights.

"We stand with the family during this distressing time and urge an immediate, transparent investigation in accordance with national and international human rights obligations," Paank stated.

Highlighting the atrocities in Balochistan, the rights body on Friday revealed that at least four more Baloch civilians had fallen victim to enforced disappearance by Pakistani security forces.

Citing credible reports, Paank stated that Abdullah, an employee of Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), was taken away in broad daylight from Dera Bugti district by individuals believed to be personnel of Pakistan's Counter Terrorism Department (CTD). His current whereabouts remain unknown.

Additionally, the rights body condemned the forcible abduction of Maroo Baloch, a resident of the Hub district. According to his family, he was allegedly taken by Pakistani intelligence personnel on November 6 from the Daroo Hotel in Hub City.

Paank further mentioned that another Baloch student, Chakar Akbar, a resident of Pidrak in Kech district, was subjected to enforced disappearance on November 6, from his residence. Since then, his whereabouts are unknown to his family.

Furthermore, the rights body stated that Mulla Salam, a resident of Dasht Ballen of Balochistan, was forcibly disappeared by the "notorious" Pakistani security forces on the night of November 4, and since then, his whereabouts have been hidden from the family.

"Such detentions are opposed to the international conventions to which Pakistan is a signatory state. On the same ground, we urge the international human rights organisations and the United Nations, along with its Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID), to take serious notice of the issue in Balochistan," Paank stressed.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Pakistan's human rights record in Balochistan has been terrible for decades. While we have our differences with Pakistan, basic human rights should be respected everywhere. Hope the victims' families get answers soon.
A
Arjun K
The pattern is clear - Pakistan's security forces operate with impunity in Balochistan. This is exactly why the world needs to pay attention to what's happening there. Shameful!
S
Sarah B
As someone who has studied human rights, I must say that while Pakistan's actions are condemnable, we in India should also ensure our own house is in order regarding human rights protections. Both countries need to do better.
K
Karthik V
This is why the Baloch people have been protesting for years. Their struggle for rights and dignity continues while the world watches silently. More coverage needed! 🙏
M
Michael C
The systematic nature of these disappearances is alarming. When will Pakistan be held accountable for violating international human rights conventions it has signed? The UN needs to take stronger action.

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