QUETTA: The state pressure on the families of members of armed organizations have intensified in Balochistan, where in recent days several relatives have reportedly been compelled to hold press conferences publicly disassociating themselves from their loved ones. These press conferences, organized in cities including Quetta, Hub and Turbat, are being described by human rights circles as a continuation of what they call a policy of collective punishment.
According to sources, monitoring and pressure measures have increased across Balochistan in the context of the recent security situation. At the official level, the position has reportedly been presented that in cases of alleged involvement in armed activities, families may also be held responsible. Critics argue that such a stance contradicts the principle of individual responsibility and amounts to collective punishment, which they say has no basis in domestic law or international human rights standards.
Similar press conferences have reportedly been held in Quetta, Kech, and Hub.
Human rights activists state that compelling families to issue public statements is further complicating the situation. They argue that the practice is increasing social, psychological, and economic pressure on families, while threats of deprivation of land, property, employment, and other civil rights point to what they describe as a dangerous emerging trend.
Affected families say that under the current circumstances, they are being forced to make statements with which they do not personally agree.
Some analysts note that during the BLA’s “Operation Herof,” public support was visible in certain areas, and warn that compelling alleged members of armed organizations to hold press conferences may further deepen resentment against the state.
Analysts also argue that requiring families to provide details about alleged members of armed groups raises questions about whether state institutions lack comprehensive information regarding such organizations.
Additionally, reports indicate an increase in the recovery of mutilated bodies. In Panjgur and Quetta, the bodies of nine individuals were recovered, five of whom had previously been identified as victims of enforced disappearance.
It is noteworthy that following recent attacks by Baloch separatist groups, the Chief Minister of Balochistan, Sarfraz Bugti, reportedly stated in a press briefing that families of individuals involved in separatist groups should inform security forces and publicly disassociate themselves from their relatives. He suggested that failure to do so could result in consequences from the state, while families who cooperate by reporting that their relatives have joined separatist organizations may be spared from punitive measures.
