Balochistan : The Human Rights Department of the Baloch National Movement (PAANK) has strongly condemned the Balochistan Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2025 passed by the Balochistan Assembly, calling it a dangerous escalation of the ongoing human rights crisis in the region.
In a statement, PAANK warned that by extending powers under Article 10 of the Constitution, the new legislation grants sweeping authority to military, paramilitary forces, intelligence agencies, and police to detain individuals on mere suspicion for up to three months. This effectively legalizes enforced disappearances and state-backed abuses, further deepening an atmosphere of fear where dissent and civil expression are systematically suppressed under the guise of counterterrorism.
Balochistan has long been plagued by grave human rights violations including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture. Families frequently report the abduction of loved ones activists, students, and civilians by security forces without legal process, often leading to prolonged suffering. In 2025 alone, PAANK documented over 66 cases of custodial killings. Peaceful demonstrations such as those led by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) have also been met with violence—most notably in July 2024 in Gwadar, where 14 people were injured after security forces opened fire on protestors.
PAANK highlighted that the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance (3MPO) has become a key tool for silencing dissent, particularly targeting BYC leadership. In March 2025, BYC leader Dr. Mahrang Baloch, Nobel Peace Prize nominee Bebarg Baloch, Gulzadi Baloch, Beebow Baloch, and Shah Ji Sibghatullah were detained during a peaceful protest in Quetta under 3MPO. These detentions were challenged in the Balochistan High Court, which reserved judgment on April 11 but later dismissed the petitions raising serious concerns over judicial independence.
Reports have confirmed severe abuse in custody. Beebow Baloch, for instance, was forcibly removed from Hudha Jail by the Counter Terrorism Department on April 23, beaten, and transferred to an undisclosed location before being shifted to Pishin Jail. She was denied family visits and bore visible signs of torture sparking widespread outrage and condemnation from human rights groups and legal associations across Balochistan.
PAANK reaffirmed its solidarity with the Baloch people and the BYC, stating that their peaceful advocacy for justice in the face of enforced disappearances and state violence has been met with brutal repression. The group urged the international community, human rights defenders, and civil society to demand:
- Immediate repeal of the Anti-Terrorism Bill 2025
- Release of detained activists
- Independent investigations into human rights violations in Balochistan
PAANK concluded: “The systematic targeting of civilians and activists must end. Justice and dignity must be restored for all.”
