Following a fact-finding mission to Balochistan, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed deep concern over the province’s ongoing human rights crisis. The mission’s report highlights alarming trends, including the continuation of enforced disappearances, restrictions on democratic freedoms, erosion of provincial autonomy and a culture of impunity, all of which, it warns, are fueling public alienation and political instability.
According to the mission, while state representatives now acknowledge the existence of enforced disappearances, they present it within a security narrative that frames it merely as a by-product of insurgency. This framing, HRCP warns, risks normalizing a practice that is considered a crime against humanity under international human rights law. The report calls for independent investigations into allegations of reprisals against individuals who speak out on enforced disappearances.
The mission stressed that militant attacks targeting civilians, including non-Baloch settlers, are never justifiable and that perpetrators must be brought to justice. However, it expressed grave concern over the passage of the Anti-Terrorism (Balochistan Amendment) Act 2025, which allows for detention of up to 90 days without effective judicial oversight, a provision that HRCP warns, heightens the risk of torture and ill-treatment. It urged the government to repeal the law and ensure that all counterterrorism measures comply with Pakistan’s human rights obligations.
The report notes that electoral manipulation and the political sidelining of nationalist parties have severely undermined public trust in the democratic process. HRCP recommended that the state ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability, investigate credible allegations of electoral fraud, and depoliticize administrative structures to prevent further political alienation.
The mission also recommended demilitarizing law enforcement and establishing a unified civilian police force equipped with resources and training for community-based, rights-compliant policing, thereby reducing overreliance on paramilitary and military institutions.
The report criticized efforts to discredit civil society movements such as the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), warning that linking human rights advocacy with militancy further alienates communities, particularly the youth. HRCP urged the state to publicly recognize the role of human rights defenders and guarantee their protection.
Furthermore, the mission called for the restoration of constitutional protections guaranteed under the 18th Amendment and for respect of provincial autonomy in managing natural resources. It recommended reviewing controversial projects such as Saindak and recent amendments to the Balochistan Mines and Minerals Act to ensure meaningful local consultation and fair distribution of benefits.
HRCP warned that without a transparent, inclusive and rights-based political solution, Balochistan’s political and security situation will deteriorate further. It also cautioned against the rising risk of ethnically motivated reprisals outside the province, calling such trends damaging to national cohesion. The mission stressed that principled leadership, not further militarization, is essential for resolving the crisis.
