The existence of private jails operated by powerful sardars in Balochistan has long been an open secret. Despite the lack of official acknowledgment, numerous individuals have come forward to share their horrifying experiences of being detained in these clandestine facilities. This article sheds light on the dark reality faced by those imprisoned in these private jails, providing firsthand accounts and highlighting the challenges in seeking justice. The information presented is based on an investigation conducted by Dawn, a leading Pakistani newspaper.
Imprisonment in Private Jails: A Living Nightmare:
Asghar, one of the survivors who endured the horrors of a private jail, recounts his traumatic experience. Locked up inside a sardar's private jail in Haji Kot, Asghar struggled to adapt to the darkness, torture, and inhumane living conditions. His story is one among many, illustrating the ordeal faced by those held captive in Balochistan's private jails.
Former prisoners shared stories of physical and sexual abuse perpetrated by the private guards. They endured beatings, suspension from girders, and prolonged periods of darkness, with their hands and feet bound. In some instances, prisoners had to relieve themselves in coolers used as makeshift toilets, causing an unbearable stench. The prisoners' suffering was exacerbated by their isolation, lack of basic hygiene, and constant fear for their lives.
MASTUNG: A small cemetery known as Lawaris Qabristan, or graveyard of the forgotten, on a rainy day. Most of the graves are in a decrepit state due to rain and neglect.
Denial of Justice and Impunity:
Once detained in these private jails, prisoners find themselves without recourse to justice. Families who raise their voices risk facing dire consequences, including threats to their lives. The pervasive impunity enjoyed by powerful sardars perpetuates this cycle of abuse and undermines the rule of law. Even in cases where evidence implicates sardars in heinous crimes, the authorities often turn a blind eye.
Instances of Inhuman Treatment:
Rahim Baloch, who endured 19 days of captivity, vividly recalls his traumatic experience. He was held in a windowless room used for storing pesticides, where he was subjected to relentless physical abuse by guards, including the sardar's own son. Despite pleas from his family, religious appeals, and his political activism, it was only external pressure that eventually secured his release. The psychological scars left by his ordeal continue to haunt him.
The Denial of Private Jail Existence:
Government officials, including Balochistan's home minister and the spokesperson for the provincial chief minister, categorically deny the existence of private jails in the province. These denials contradict the overwhelming evidence and testimonies gathered by Dawn's investigations.
The All-Powerful Sardar:
The article sheds light on Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran, who serves as an example of the unchecked power wielded by sardars in Balochistan. Following his release on bail, despite being linked to murders associated with his private jail, Sardar Khetran continues to deny the existence of such facilities.
The grave of a slain girl, whose body was found in a well in Barkhan district along with the two sons of Graanaz and Khan Mohammad Marri, who were killed along with the girl. The girl was buried in the Lawaris Qabristan, situated in Dasht, Mastung
Conclusion:
The existence of private jails in Balochistan, operated by powerful sardars, represents a grave violation of human rights and a direct challenge to the rule of law. Survivors recount harrowing experiences of torture, abuse, and deplorable living conditions. The denial of justice and the prevailing culture of impunity only perpetuate this cycle of violence and oppression. It is imperative that the authorities take immediate action to dismantle these private jails, hold those responsible accountable, and provide support to the survivors in their journey towards healing and justice.
Note: The information and accounts presented in this article are based on an investigation conducted by Dawn.
0 Comments