BALOCHISTAN: The Baloch National Movement’s human rights wing, PAANK, has strongly condemned the enforced disappearance of Fatima Baloch, wife of Noroz Baloch, who was taken by Pakistani security forces in the early hours of January 13, 2026, from Hub Chowki, Balochistan.
According to PAANK, Fatima Baloch was forcibly disappeared without the presentation of an arrest warrant or any legal justification. Her family has not been informed of her whereabouts, raising serious concerns about her safety and wellbeing.
This enforced disappearance follows a disturbing pattern, Fatima’s husband, Noroz Baloch, was forcibly disappeared on November 14, 2024, from the same area and held in secret detention for 20 days before being released. PAANK noted that repeatedly targeting the same family reflects a systematic campaign of intimidation and reprisal against relatives of previously disappeared persons.
In its statement, PAANK emphasized that enforced disappearances constitute serious violations of international human rights law, including the rights to liberty, security, due process, and protection from torture and other ill-treatment. The organization described such acts as a form of collective punishment that instills fear within affected communities.
PAANK called on the Pakistani authorities to immediately disclose the whereabouts of Fatima Baloch and ensure her physical and psychological safety. The group demanded that she either be formally charged with a recognized criminal offense or released without delay.
The human rights wing also urged Pakistan to end the practice of enforced disappearances and hold accountable those responsible through independent and impartial investigations.
Finally, PAANK appealed to the United Nations, international human rights mechanisms, and the global community to take urgent notice of Fatima Baloch’s disappearance and pressure Pakistan to uphold its obligations under international human rights law.
