In a recent series of events, the Central Spokesperson of the Baloch Women Forum (BWF) has highlighted the escalating miseries in Balochistan, leaving the masses to mourn and vociferate. As consistently observed, the region’s grievances are frequently met with indifference, with so-called parliamentarians often acting merely as nominal representatives and prioritizing personal gains.
Meanwhile, the Baloch people endure systematic and collective repression by state institutions. Despite timely warnings, the state has remained heedless, resulting in a series of humanitarian crises, which can be more accurately termed as anti-Baloch policies.
On January 4, 2025, a young Baloch protest participant, involved in a sit-in against the enforced disappearances of Abul Hassan and Zaman Baloch (followed by fake charges and their appearance in CTD custody in Qila Abdullah), was struck by a truck during the demonstration.
Despite immediate medical attention in Turbat and subsequent transfer to Karachi, he tragically succumbed to his injuries. In light of this incident, the BWF questioned the accountability of state institutions for this deadly act against a constitutionally protected right:
the right to peaceful assembly (Article 16) and the right to Habeas Corpus (Article 199).
Furthermore, the extrajudicial killings of Afzal Manzoor of Turbat and Zakriya Baloch of Gwadar, both in custody and after release respectively, have raised serious concerns.
On December 8, 2024, Afzal Baloch was forcibly disappeared from Aapsar (Turbat), followed by the abduction of his two brothers. While his brothers were later released, Afzal’s body was presented as a victim of a self-claimed bomb explosion, despite eyewitness accounts of his abduction by security forces. This incident echoes a similar case in Balgatar, where three forcibly disappeared Baloch were found dead in a self-exploded car, bearing marks of torture by security forces. These cases continue to raise unanswered questions regarding the conduct of law enforcement agencies.
Zakriya Baloch faced a similar fate. After being forcibly disappeared by security forces in Gwadar and subsequently released, he was later shot dead by “unknown armed men.” These “unknown” assailants have previously targeted other Baloch who had been victims of enforced disappearances, particularly in Kech and Gwadar districts. While Zakriya’s case is not unique, his attackers will likely remain unidentified.
In addition, over ten Baloch individuals were forcibly disappeared from the Zehri area of Khuzdar district following a recent incident. In response, local residents blocked the Karachi-Quetta road in Soorab to protest these disappearances. While some individuals have been recovered, the fate of others remains uncertain. Notably, elected parliamentarians were quick to condemn the insurgent attack but failed to stand with the civilians when they were forcibly disappeared, highlighting their limited role as public representatives.
The BWF believes that the state has taken the Baloch people for granted, fueling resentment and hostility towards the state and its institutions. In light of the state’s failure to address the Baloch concerns, the Forum urges human rights champions in Pakistan, the region, and the world to exert pressure on the state and its relevant institutions to cease the ongoing human rights violations.
The BWF also calls upon the Baloch masses to unite against state oppression and resist it through all available means. The collective resistance of the Baloch people is deemed crucial in addressing these grave issues.
