Mounting Concerns: Enforced Disappearances in Balochistan

Eight Baloch individuals have gone missing after Pakistani security forces conducted multiple raids in Balochistan and the Baloch-populated Taunsa region in southern Punjab, highlighting growing apprehension regarding enforced disappearances. Families of the missing have confirmed these incidents, voicing profound concerns over what seems to be a rising trend, as reported by The Balochistan Post.

In Balochistan's Kech district, four young men, identified as Jasim, son of Yaqoob; Malik, son of Faiz Muhammad; Faisal; and Raziq, both sons of Bijar, were reportedly abducted during a raid in the Mand area. Initially, five individuals were apprehended, but one was later released while the others were taken to an undisclosed location, leaving their families in distress.

Similar incidents were reported in the Gwadar district, where a man named Bashir, son of Sabzal, was taken without explanation by security personnel in the Lanti Daan area of Pasni. Meanwhile, in Taunsa, southern Punjab, a nighttime raid led to the abduction of Muhammad Khan Chakarani Buzdar, Jumma Khan Mithwani Buzdar, and Iftikhar Chakarani Buzdar. Families of these individuals fear for their safety, alleging extrajudicial killings often follow such detentions. The sister of Ghulam Ali Baloch, another victim, has issued an emotional plea for his return, underscoring the emotional and psychological toll on families affected by these disappearances.

(With inputs from agencies.)