In August 2023, Balochistan experienced a surge in enforced disappearances, reaching a concerning total of 64 cases. This spike is attributed to the conflicting celebrations of independence days by Baloch nationalists and Pakistani authorities. During this period, Baloch armed groups targeted Pakistani celebrations, prompting heightened military operations and raids by Pakistani forces. The Paank conducted a monthly investigation, revealing the following:
Enforced Disappearances: A distressing total of 64 individuals disappeared under suspicious circumstances in August, primarily due to the volatile atmosphere surrounding conflicting independence celebrations.
Tourcher Victims: 24 detainees were tortured and then released without explanation. There are rising concerns that Pakistan, influenced by economic pressures and foreign investors like China for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), seeks to weaken opposition in Balochistan. This agenda may enable multinational companies to exploit resources, posing significant human rights concerns for the region's future.
Recovered Bodies: Unfortunately, the search for missing persons led to the discovery of 3 lifeless bodies, further intensifying the grief and despair in Balochistan. The ongoing crisis of enforced disappearances continues to afflict the region, with Baloch nationalists, activists, and human rights groups attributing responsibility to Pakistani intelligence agencies and security forces. Despite denials from the Pakistani government, mounting evidence from these groups paints a starkly different picture. This longstanding issue has deeply scarred the inhabitants of Balochistan for over two decades.
A particularly distressing case is that of Ghulam Farooq, son of Muhammad Waris, who was forcibly disappeared from Mastung on October 27, 2022, and tragically found in a vineyard on Kili Qambrani Road on August 31, 2023.
Recent tragic events include the wrongful murder of language teacher Abdul Rauf Barkat on false blasphemy charges in Turbat, the killing of farmer Imdad Joyo by influential figures, and the abduction and burning of the migrant couple Samir and Rukhsana (Hani Baloch) in Phara (Iran Shaar), West Balochistan. These incidents have heightened insecurity within Baloch society.
Moreover, the arbitrary arrest and targeting of human rights activist and Baloch woman lawyer Iman Mazari, who vehemently advocates against enforced disappearances, is a clear attempt to silence Baloch rights advocates – an action that deserves strong condemnation.
The crisis of enforced disappearances continues to afflict Balochistan, with Baloch nationalists, activists, and human rights organizations consistently holding Pakistani authorities accountable. While the government denies involvement, the mounting evidence suggests a different reality.
The situation in Balochistan demands international attention and scrutiny. The surge in enforced disappearances in August 2023 is a distressing development, underscoring the urgency of addressing this long-standing crisis. The international community must call for transparency, accountability, and human rights protections in Balochistan to alleviate the suffering of its inhabitants.
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