In the month of October 2023, Balochistan witnessed a series of grave human rights violations, shedding light on the persistent challenges faced by its residents. The Human Rights Department of Baloch National Movement meticulously documented incidents, bringing attention to the alarming increase in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial actions by state forces.
Forced Disappearances: Throughout October, reports surfaced, revealing 34 cases of unlawful detainments by Pakistani security forces, resulting in forced disappearances. These actions raise serious concerns about human rights abuses, necessitating urgent attention and intervention.
Release of Formerly Disappeared Individuals: In a notable development, 21 individuals previously victimized by enforced disappearances were released in October, marking a significant stride in resolving these cases.
Extrajudicial Killings: The month also saw alarming incidents of extrajudicial killings, with state forces staging encounters resulting in the deaths of two previously disappeared individuals. The alleged involvement of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) added another layer of concern.
Advocacy for Missing Individuals: Persistent advocacy and protests from human rights groups and affected families characterized the month. Shabir Baloch’s family organized a protest in Karachi, demanding justice for their missing family member.
Awareness Campaigns and Seminars: On October 15, a seminar at the Quetta Press Club focused on the case of Rashid Hussain Baloch, emphasizing the need for resolution and public attention.
Calls for Government Action: Human rights organizations pressed the Pakistani government for the safe recovery of missing individuals, highlighting the urgency of addressing these cases and providing relief to affected families.
Ali Asghar Bangulzai Disappearance: Ghulam Farooq's press conference detailed the 22-year pursuit of justice for his missing father, Ali Asghar Bangulzai, emphasizing the family's profound distress and appealing to human rights institutions for intervention.
Safar Ali Baloch’s Ten-Year Enforced Disappearance Campaign: On the ten-year anniversary of Safar Ali Baloch's disappearance, his family initiated a campaign, urging collective efforts to address enforced disappearances and calling on humanitarian institutions for active contribution.
Forced Arrest and Fake FIR at Punjab University: The distressing incident at Punjab University highlighted the unnecessary aggression of Pakistani authorities, prompting a vehement protest by the Baloch Council against fabricated charges.
Recovery of Abdul Hameed Zehri: In a positive turn, Abdul Hameed Zehri was successfully recovered on October 31, 2023, in Karachi, after facing prolonged enforced disappearance. The family's peaceful protests and relentless advocacy played a crucial role in his safe return.
In summary, the October 2023 Human Rights Report underscores the urgent need for international attention and intervention in addressing the persistent challenges of enforced disappearances in Balochistan. The compiled events highlight the resilience of affected families and the critical need for justice and humanitarian support to ensure the safe recovery of missing individuals.
Report released by Paank | November 6, 2023
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