Islamabad: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed serious concern over the killing and harm of innocent civilians during military operations in Zehri and surrounding areas of Khuzdar district, Balochistan.
According to a statement issued by the HRCP, one attack during the operation targeted a wedding ceremony in the Mulla area of Khuzdar, killing several civilians, including young children.
Local sources informed the commission that severe restrictions on movement have been imposed, and multiple towns have effectively been declared no-go zones. The HRCP has urged federal and provincial authorities to conduct immediate, transparent, and impartial investigations into these incidents.
The commission has also called on state authorities to allow journalists and independent observers access to affected areas to verify facts on the ground.
According to reports, during shelling and aerial attacks in Mulla Pas Bel Chhari on October 5, six people, including four children, were killed. The deceased included Manzoor Ahmad son of Abdul Hakeem, his two children and a nephew, as well as Bibi Rahima and her child. Injured included Bibi Rahima’s daughter and son.
The month-long military operation has already involved multiple aerial bombings and drone strikes, resulting in dozens of civilian deaths and the detention of individuals who have been transferred to unknown locations.
Earlier incidents include a September 15 airstrike on a house that killed three members of the Pandrani tribe. Two days later, on September 17, a drone strike killed four people, including two women and injured five others, including a child. Near Tarasani, fatalities included 40-year-old Bibi Amna (wife of Sanaullah), 41-year-old Lal Bibi (wife of Ali Akbar), and 30-year-old Mohammad Hasan son of Mohammad. Injured included 45-year-old Sanaullah son of Ghulam Rasool, Ali Akbar son of Abdul Hakeem, 38-year-old Abdul Nabi son of Mohammad Yaqub, 4-year-old Umair Ahmad son of Ghulam Rasool, and 65-year-old Mola Bakhsh son of Mandau.
The HRCP has called for accountability and immediate measures to protect civilians and ensure that humanitarian access is restored to affected communities.
