Local media reported that three youths were reportedly detained by Pakistani forces in Kench district on Tuesday.
Pakistan armed forces have abducted six individuals after a raid in the districts of Kech, Kharan, and Dera Bugti in Balochistan.
The Balochistan Post reported that three youths were reportedly detained by Pakistani forces in Kench district on Tuesday. A raid was conducted by the armed forces before forcibly disappearing the young men.
According to the Balochistan Post, Ismail, a shopkeeper from Balnigor, Imran, a student and Liaquat Ali, a resident of Dasht were forcibly disappeared by the forces.
The locals cited that the victims were abducted when they were on their way to attend a poetry event in memory of Mubarak Qazi in Kadan. Meanwhile, Dr Liaquat Ali was forcibly taken in a raid in Dasht Muskar.
The Balochistan Post reported that Waseem, son of Saeed Ahmed, was reportedly abducted from his shop on Kharan Gawash Road by the armed forces in Balochistan’s Kharan district.
In a separate incident, Talal, son of Umar, and Amir Baloch, son of Ibrahim, were reportedly abducted by the Pakistani forces from Kadan and taken to an undisclosed location.
This was a result of intensified military operations conducted by the armed forces after an attack on the military camps.
Recently, the armed forces started strict military operations across the entire region after the attack and they also shut down mobile services. Banks and other shops as well as schools and other learning facilities were shut down due to the curfew interrupting the needs of the communities. Besides this, helicopters were noticed flying in the area considering the large number of military personnel reported to have been deployed in the area.
Such an operation created fear and terror in the minds of the Baloch people.
These ongoing incidents of enforced disappearances have led to human rights violations by the Pakistan armed forces. (ANI)
The government’s enhanced security measures are not merely reactive to immediate threats; they represent a strategic long-term initiative to consolidate power in Balochistan….reports Asian Lite News
In recent years, the Pakistani government has implemented significant alterations to the powers and authorities of its security forces, which carry profound implications for the internal security dynamics of the nation, particularly in Balochistan.
This province, abundant in natural resources and characterised by a multifaceted socio-political landscape, has been a focal point for various insurgent movements advocating for greater autonomy and rights.
The latest government policies signify a strategic manoeuvre to address these challenges, aimed at consolidating control over the region. However, this approach raises serious concerns regarding human rights and the increasing alienation of the Baloch populace from the state.
The recent policy shifts by the government entail multiple amendments to existing laws, significantly broadening the operational latitude of military and paramilitary forces in Pakistan.
These changes empower security personnel to undertake operations with reduced oversight, enabling them to act without prior judicial consent in urgent scenarios. Such legal provisions extend the detention periods for suspects and authorise authorities to designate particular regions as conflict zones.
The government has rationalised these measures as essential for countering terrorism and separatist movements, especially in Balochistan, where groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) remain active. This revised legal framework has been designed to facilitate the swift and effective execution of security operations.
For instance, amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act have expanded the definition of terrorism, thereby allowing a broader spectrum of actions to be classified as terrorist activities. This expansion has granted security forces increased discretion to detain individuals suspected of any dissent or opposition to the state, often leading to widespread human rights abuses.
The context of Balochistan
Balochistan, a province abundant in mineral resources, paradoxically stands as one of the most impoverished and underdeveloped areas in Pakistan. The Baloch people, who possess a unique cultural identity and a long history of grievances against the Central government, have persistently pursued greater autonomy and rights.
The ongoing conflict between the state and various Baloch insurgent factions has resulted in a vicious cycle of violence, with security forces frequently resorting to heavy-handed tactics in retaliation for insurgent assaults.
Recent government policies seem to be a direct response to the intensifying violence in the region. The military has markedly increased its presence in Balochistan, deploying additional troops and establishing checkpoints across multiple districts. This militarisation is perceived by many Baloch individuals as an occupation rather than a protective measure, exacerbating the rift between the state and the local populace.
The impact of internment camps
One of the most contentious aspects of the government’s strategy is the establishment of internment camps, a practice that has garnered international attention due to its parallels with authoritarian measures employed by states like China. These camps serve as a legal pretext for detaining individuals accused of insurgency or terrorism indefinitely without trial, under the guise of deradicalisation and rehabilitation programmes designed to safeguard national security.
However, the lack of judicial oversight in these facilities raises grave ethical concerns, as detainees are often subjected to harsh conditions and may face torture or other forms of abuse, as documented by human rights organisations. The Baloch people, who already feel marginalised and oppressed, perceive these camps as further evidence of state repression, viewing them as tools for silencing dissent and erasing Baloch cultural identity. The psychological impact of internment, combined with the broader climate of fear, can foster resentment and deepen the desire for autonomy among the Baloch populace, who feel their fundamental rights and due process are being violated by these measures.
Strengthening the grip over Balochistan
The government’s enhanced security measures are not merely reactive to immediate threats; they represent a strategic long-term initiative to consolidate power in Balochistan.
By augmenting military presence and broadening the powers of security forces, the state aims to tighten its grip on the province, effectively sidelining local political movements and dissent. The military’s operational strategy encompasses not only direct confrontations with insurgent groups but also extensive campaigns designed to manipulate public opinion and stifle political opposition.
The utilisation of state media to propagate narratives that frame military actions as essential for national security further complicates the relationship between the state and the Baloch populace. Moreover, the government’s approach to development projects in Balochistan, often executed with minimal local input, exacerbates existing tensions.
Large-scale initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are viewed by many Baloch activists as exploitative, benefiting external stakeholders while neglecting local needs. This sentiment that their resources are being extracted without adequate compensation or acknowledgment fuels resentment and opposition towards the state.
While the government may contend that an increased military presence and expanded security powers are essential for maintaining order, these measures risk further alienating the Baloch people. The heavy-handed tactics employed by security forces can be perceived as acts of aggression rather than genuine efforts to ensure safety. Such perceptions can create a vicious cycle where state repression incites further unrest and violence.
Understanding the historical context of Baloch nationalism is crucial to grasping the current dynamics. The Baloch people have enduring grievances regarding political representation, economic disparity, and cultural suppression. The state’s military-centric approach to these issues only exacerbates the divide and alienates the population. Moreover, prioritising security over dialogue fosters a vacuum in which extremist ideologies can flourish.
Disillusioned young Baloch individuals, frustrated by state policies and the lack of meaningful engagement, may become more vulnerable to radicalisation. This cycle of violence and repression perpetuates instability in the region, rendering genuine resolution increasingly elusive.
The international dimension
Pakistan’s policies in Balochistan are not occurring in isolation; they are significantly shaped by international dynamics and relationships. While the Pakistani government may receive backing for its counterterrorism initiatives, increasing scrutiny from international human rights organisations complicates its narrative.
Countries that prioritise human rights and democratic values may express concern over Pakistan’s treatment of the Baloch population, potentially affecting diplomatic relations.
The geopolitical importance of Balochistan, especially regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its strategic location, adds further complexity to the situation.
External actors, including China, have vested interests in the region, which can lead to conflicting priorities. The necessity for stability to protect investments may clash with the local population’s aspirations for rights and representation. Addressing the challenges in Balochistan requires a nuanced strategy that transcends militarisation and repression. The government must engage in authentic dialogue with the Baloch people, recognising their historical grievances and aspirations. This engagement could involve political reforms that grant greater autonomy, economic development that prioritises local needs, and cultural recognition that respects Baloch identity.
A comprehensive approach that combines security measures with community engagement and development initiatives can pave the way for enduring peace. By tackling the root causes of discontent, the government can create an environment conducive to dialogue and reconciliation, ultimately breaking the cycle of violence and repression.
The recent expansion of powers granted to Pakistan’s security forces signifies a notable shift in the government’s strategy for addressing the complexities of Balochistan. While these policies aim to consolidate control and combat insurgency, they risk alienating the very population they intend to stabilise. The establishment of internment camps and the broadening of military authority without judicial oversight raise significant ethical and legal concerns.
As the government tightens its grip on Balochistan, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential repercussions of its actions. The cycle of violence and repression may cultivate an environment conducive to further insurgency and unrest. A more balanced approach that integrates security measures with authentic political engagement is essential for achieving lasting peace and reconciliation in the region. Without confronting the underlying causes of discontent, this cycle of violence and repression is likely to persist, perpetuating instability in Balochistan and undermining Pakistan’s broader stability.
Moving forward, it is imperative to recognise the rights and aspirations of the Baloch people, encourage dialogue, and prioritise sustainable development. Only then can the government hope to foster trust and establish a foundation for a peaceful and prosperous future for all citizens of Pakistan.
At present, Pakistan’s extensive security apparatus appears fully engaged in asserting control over Balochistan, showing little regard for the common populace. This approach must change if Pakistan wishes to genuinely integrate Balochistan as part of its territory.
Tatchell referenced the Balochistan Freedom Charter, a proposal first introduced in Geneva by a coalition of Baloch activists…reports Asian Lite News
Human rights lawyer Peter Tatchell has raised serious concerns about Pakistan’s atrocities in Balochistan during the fifth Balochistan International Conference (BIC), organised by Baloch National Movement (BNM).
Tatchell, a renowned advocate for human rights, used this opportunity to outline a comprehensive roadmap for Balochistan’s peace and self-determination. While addressing an audience of Baloch leaders, activists, and international observers, he emphasised the urgency of presenting a clear, actionable plan to end the decades-long conflict and occupation by Pakistan.
“In occupied Balochistan, under the Pakistani state and its military, I want to address how we can transition from the current situation to a better future for Balochistan. In other words, how do we move toward not only ending human rights abuses but also achieving self-determination for the Baloch nation?” he stated.
“This is a significant challenge. While we are all aware of the problems, we must focus on the solutions. I speak as a friend and ally of the Baloch people, mindful that the future of Balochistan rests with its citizens and their national movement,” he added.
Tatchell referenced the Balochistan Freedom Charter, a proposal first introduced in Geneva by a coalition of Baloch activists. He explained that the charter provides a roadmap for de-escalating the conflict and securing the national liberation of Balochistan. He highlighted that the international community is more likely to support the Baloch cause when presented with a credible and comprehensive plan.
Tatchell outlined several crucial principles for achieving peace and self-determination in Balochistan, including an immediate ceasefire under United Nations supervision, the release of political prisoners, and an end to military operations by both sides. He stressed the importance of allowing journalists, aid organisations, and human rights groups access to Balochistan, as they are currently barred from entering the region.
He condemned Pakistan’s policy of encouraging non-Baloch settlers to flood the area, which he described as a form of demographic manipulation aimed at diluting the indigenous population.
In his address, Tatchell presented a vision for a free and independent Balochistan, rooted in principles of social justice, equality, and democracy. He called for a future of Balochistan that guarantees human rights for all its citizens, including equal rights for women–a critical issue in a region traditionally dominated by patriarchal and tribal systems.
He further advocated for land reform, emphasizing that all adult Baloch citizens should have a stake in land ownership to address significant inequalities in wealth and land distribution. Another major focus was on redistributing wealth and power, with Tatchell insisting that Balochistan’s resources should benefit the broader population rather than just a privileged few.
Additionally, he called for the establishment of a commission of inquiry into the disappearances and detentions without trial that have plagued the Baloch population under Pakistani rule. He stated that such an investigation would bring justice to the victims and their families.
Tatchell concluded his speech by urging Baloch leadership to present their case to the international community with a clear, practical plan. He drew parallels between the Baloch struggle and other historical movements, including Vietnam’s successful challenge to the United States, to illustrate that even a small, determined population can triumph over a powerful adversary.
“David can defeat Goliath,” he reminded the audience, asserting that, like all peoples, the Baloch have the right to self-determination.
Peter Tatchell has been an advocate for human rights, democracy, and global justice since 1967. He has been a dedicated supporter of the Baloch liberation movement for over a decade. Through the Peter Tatchell Foundation, he continues to campaign for human rights both in Britain and globally. (ANI)
The story of Balochistan and CPEC is a complex one, characterized by a mix of hope and despair, promise and betrayal.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and most resource-rich province, remains a region marred by conflict, underdevelopment, and deprivation. Despite its vast natural wealth, the people of Balochistan have largely been left out of the economic prosperity that these resources should ideally provide.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a massive infrastructure and economic project touted as a game-changer for Pakistan, has been particularly contentious in Balochistan. While CPEC is often promoted as a vehicle for regional development and economic upliftment, many argue that it has exacerbated the existing inequalities and exploitation in Balochistan.
Historical context: Balochistan’s plight
To understand the dynamics at play, it’s essential to delve into the historical background of Balochistan. Balochistan has a long history of resistance against what many Baloch people see as the exploitation of their resources by external powers. Since the accession of Balochistan to Pakistan in 1948, there have been multiple insurgencies, driven by grievances related to political marginalisation, economic exploitation, and cultural suppression.
Despite being home to vast mineral resources, including natural gas, coal, copper, and gold, Balochistan remains the poorest province in Pakistan. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, Balochistan’s contribution to the national GDP is disproportionately low compared to its resource wealth, with a GDP per capita significantly lower than the national average.
These figures highlight the stark disparities between Balochistan and the rest of Pakistan, illustrating the longstanding neglect and underdevelopment that has fueled resentment and unrest in the province.
Promise and perils of CPEC
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aiming to connect Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China’s Xinjiang region through a network of highways, railways, and pipelines.
With an estimated investment of over $62 billion, CPEC is marketed as a transformative project that will bring prosperity to Pakistan, particularly its less developed regions like Balochistan.
However, the reality on the ground in Balochistan paints a different picture. Critics argue that CPEC has primarily served the interests of the central government in Islamabad and Chinese investors, with little regard for the local population’s needs and aspirations. The following points shed light on how CPEC exploits Balochistan rather than fulfilling its promise of development:
1. Resource exploitation and environmental degradation: Balochistan’s natural resources have long been extracted without adequate compensation or reinvestment in the local economy. CPEC has exacerbated this issue, with large-scale projects often leading to environmental degradation and displacement of local communities. For example, the extraction of minerals and the construction of infrastructure have led to deforestation, loss of arable land, and pollution of water sources.
2. Marginalisation of local workforce: One of the most significant grievances related to CPEC in Balochistan is the marginalisation of the local workforce. Despite promises of job creation, a large portion of the labour force employed in CPEC projects comes from other provinces or China. This exclusion has left the local population feeling alienated and resentful.
3. Security concerns and human rights violations: The militarisation of Balochistan under the guise of securing CPEC projects has led to widespread human rights abuses. The Baloch people have been subjected to enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and a heavy military presence, further alienating them from the state.
4. Economic disparities and unequal distribution of benefits: The economic benefits of CPEC have largely been concentrated in other regions, particularly Punjab, while Balochistan continues to lag in terms of infrastructure development, healthcare, and education. This unequal distribution of benefits has deepened the sense of deprivation in Balochistan.
Voices of dissent: Mahrang Baloch and Baloch resistance
In recent years, voices from within Balochistan have become increasingly vocal in their opposition to CPEC and the broader policies of the Pakistani state. Among these voices is Mahrang Baloch, a prominent Baloch activist who has consistently highlighted the exploitation and marginalisation of the Baloch people under CPEC.
Mahrang Baloch has criticised CPEC as a project that primarily serves the interests of the Pakistani elite and foreign investors while further entrenching the economic and political disenfranchisement of the Baloch people.
In a recent statement, she said: “CPEC is not a development project for the people of Balochistan. It is a tool of exploitation that has only brought more suffering to our land. Our resources are being taken, our environment is being destroyed, and our people are being displaced, all in the name of development. But where is this development? It is not in our schools, our hospitals, or our roads. It is in the pockets of the rich and powerful.”
Mahrang Baloch’s words resonate with many in Balochistan who feel that their voices are being ignored in the national discourse. Her activism has brought international attention to the plight of the Baloch people, shedding light on the darker side of CPEC.
Gwadar Port controversy
At the heart of CPEC is Gwadar Port, a deep-sea port in Balochistan that is strategically located on the Arabian Sea. Gwadar is often portrayed as the crown jewel of CPEC, with promises of turning it into a bustling trade hub that will bring prosperity to the region.
However, the reality for the people of Gwadar has been quite different. Despite the massive investment in the port and its surrounding infrastructure, the local population has seen little improvement in their living conditions. Basic amenities such as clean drinking water, electricity, and healthcare remain scarce.
The fishing community, which has traditionally been the backbone of Gwadar’s economy, has been particularly hard hit by the development of the port, with many fishermen losing their livelihoods due to restricted access to the sea.
In response to these grievances, protests have erupted in Gwadar, with local residents demanding their rights and a fair share of the benefits from the port. The “Gwadar Ko Haq Do” (Give Gwadar Its Rights) movement has gained momentum, highlighting the disconnect between the grand promises of CPEC and the reality on the ground.
CPEC and the Baloch Nationalist Movement
The perceived exploitation of Balochistan under CPEC has also fueled the Baloch nationalist movement, which seeks greater autonomy or even independence for Balochistan. Baloch nationalist groups argue that the central government’s policies, including CPEC, are designed to extract resources from Balochistan without giving the local population a say in how their land and resources are used.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group, has been particularly active in targeting CPEC projects and personnel, viewing them as symbols of the state’s exploitation of Balochistan. The BLA has carried out several high-profile attacks on Chinese nationals and CPEC infrastructure, further complicating the security situation in the region.
Economic impact of CPEC on Balochistan
Despite the criticism, the Pakistani government and proponents of CPEC argue that the project has the potential to bring economic development to Balochistan. They cite the construction of roads, energy projects, and industrial zones as evidence of CPEC’s positive impact on the region.
However, the data suggests that the economic benefits of CPEC in Balochistan have been limited and unevenly distributed. While there has been some improvement in infrastructure, the overall economic impact on the province has been modest at best.
The slight improvements in GDP growth and industrial growth have not translated into significant reductions in poverty or unemployment, suggesting that the benefits of CPEC have not reached the broader population.
The story of Balochistan and CPEC is a complex one, characterized by a mix of hope and despair, promise and betrayal. While CPEC has the potential to bring much-needed development to Balochistan, the current approach has largely marginalized the local population and exacerbated existing inequalities.
For CPEC to truly benefit Balochistan, there needs to be a shift in how development is approached in the province. This includes ensuring that the local population is genuinely involved in decision-making processes, that the economic benefits are equitably distributed, and that the environmental and social impacts of projects are carefully managed.
The voices of dissent, like that of Mahrang Baloch, should not be ignored. Instead, they should be seen as a crucial part of the conversation on how to build a more just and inclusive future for Balochistan.
Without addressing the underlying grievances of the Baloch people, CPEC risks becoming yet another chapter in the long history of exploitation and neglect in Balochistan.
The country’s military said that 14 soldiers and police were killed as well as 21 terrorists were also killed in fighting in a major attack…reports Asian Lite News
More than 70 people have been killed in multiple cases of terror attacks in the Balochistan province in southwestern Pakistan, media reported, quoting military and police officials.
The country’s military said that 14 soldiers and police were killed as well as 21 terrorists were also killed in fighting in a major attack that targeted vehicles on a major highway in Bela, a town in Lasbela district.
In a separate attack in Musakhel district, local officials said at least 23 civilians were killed after attackers reportedly stopped their convoy, checked their IDs and determined they were from Punjab, with 35 vehicles also set ablaze.
Ten people — five police and five civilians — were reportedly killed in Kalat in an attack on a police post and a highway.
On Monday, rail traffic with Quetta was also suspended following blasts on a rail bridge in the town of Bolan, linking the provincial capital to the rest of Pakistan, as well as on a rail link to neighbouring Iran, railways official Muhammad Kashif said.
Six unidentified bodies have been found by the police so far, near the attack site on the railway bridge. Balochistan province has had a simmering rebellion for years, with several armed groups present.
Rights groups have denounced Pakistan’s response to the movement, which they document as including enforced disappearances and other forms of state repression.
The attacks, along the highway that connects to the province of Punjab, came shortly after the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) warned people to stay away from highways in the province.
In a statement, the group claimed its fighters targeted military personnel travelling in civilian clothes, who were shot once they were identified. Pakistan’s Interior Ministry, however, said the killed people were innocent citizens.
The injured were moved to a hospital in Dera Ghazi Khan, the nearest large medical facility.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in separate statements called the Musakhail attack “barbaric” and pledged that the attackers would not get away with it.
Uzma Bukhari, a spokesperson for the Punjab provincial government, denounced the assaults as “a matter of grave concern” and called on the Balochistan provincial government to “step up efforts to eliminate BLA terrorists”.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti also promised that the attackers would be brought to justice. According to local media, 12 rebel fighters were killed by security forces throughout the province in the past 24 hours.
Similar attacks in Balochistan in the past, have been claimed by the BLA, such as the killing of seven barbers in Gwadar in May, or the April killings of several people abducted from a highway. Armed groups like the BLA in the resource-rich but impoverished province have secessionist aims, often targeting labourers from Punjab coming to the area to work.
The UN Chief extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and called on the Pakistani government to conduct an investigation…reports Asian Lite News
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the attacks in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, his spokesman said.
“The Secretary-General strongly condemns the 26 August attacks in Pakistan’s Balochistan province,” said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Chief, at a daily briefing, on Monday.
“The Secretary-General stresses that attacks against civilians are unacceptable,” he added as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The UN Chief extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and called on the Pakistani government to conduct an investigation and ensure that those responsible are held accountable, Dujarric said.
More than 70 people have been killed in multiple cases of terror attacks in the Balochistan province in southwestern Pakistan, media reported, quoting military and police officials.
The country’s military said that 14 soldiers and police were killed as well as 21 terrorists were also killed in fighting in a major attack that targeted vehicles on a major highway in Bela, a town in Lasbela district, Al Jazeera reported.
In a separate attack in Musakhel district, local officials said at least 23 civilians were killed after attackers reportedly stopped their convoy, checked their IDs and determined they were from Punjab, with 35 vehicles also set ablaze.
Ten people — five police and five civilians — were reportedly killed in Kalat in an attack on a police post and a highway.
On Monday, rail traffic with Quetta was also suspended following blasts on a rail bridge in the town of Bolan, linking the provincial capital to the rest of Pakistan, as well as on a rail link to neighbouring Iran, railways official Muhammad Kashif said.
Six unidentified bodies have been found by the police so far, near the attack site on the railway bridge.
Balochistan province has had a simmering rebellion for years, with several armed groups present.
Rights groups have denounced Pakistan’s response to the movement, which they document as including enforced disappearances and other forms of state repression, Al Jazeera reported.
The attacks, along the highway that connects to the province of Punjab, came shortly after the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) warned people to stay away from highways in the province.
In a statement, the group claimed its fighters targeted military personnel travelling in civilian clothes, who were shot once they were identified. Pakistan’s Interior Ministry, however, said the killed people were innocent citizens.
The injured were moved to a hospital in Dera Ghazi Khan, the nearest large medical facility.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in separate statements called the Musakhail attack “barbaric” and pledged that the attackers would not get away with it.
Uzma Bukhari, a spokesperson for the Punjab provincial government, denounced the assaults as “a matter of grave concern” and called on the Balochistan provincial government to “step up efforts to eliminate BLA terrorists”.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti also promised that the attackers would be brought to justice.
According to local media, 12 rebel fighters were killed by security forces throughout the province in the past 24 hours.
Similar attacks in Balochistan in the past, have been claimed by the BLA, such as the killing of seven barbers in Gwadar in May, or the April killings of several people abducted from a highway.
Armed groups like the BLA in the resource-rich but impoverished province have secessionist aims, often targeting labourers from Punjab coming to the area to work.
The Balochistan Post reported that the resolution demands that the Pakistani government restore internet services and provide details on those arrested, injured, missing, or deceased…reports Asian Lite News
MP John McDonnell has introduced a resolution condemning the violent response by Pakistani security forces to a peaceful rally in Gwadar, Balochistan, which was organised by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC).
The Balochistan Post said the resolution underlines their gathering’s goal of seeking justice for missing persons in Balochistan. Leaders and demonstrators from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) reportedly experienced harassment, detention, and violent dispersal by Pakistani security forces. The report also highlights that Pakistani authorities cut off internet access to limit information about the event.
The Balochistan Post reported that the resolution demands that the Pakistani government restore internet services and provide details on those arrested, injured, missing, or deceased.
It condemns the violence against participants and urges the government to avoid using force against peaceful protesters in the future. Furthermore, the resolution stresses the dangerous conditions faced by human rights activists in Balochistan.
The BYC’s Baloch National Gathering in Gwadar on July 28 aimed to spotlight critical human rights issues. Thousands heading to the event faced a harsh crackdown by law enforcement, resulting in several deaths, numerous arrests, and many being stranded without food and water, including women and children.
The situation in Balochistan, a province in southwestern Pakistan, has been marked by ongoing tensions and conflicts involving Baloch activists and Pakistani security forces.
There have been numerous reports of human rights abuses in Balochistan, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture.
Both state and non-state actors have been accused of committing these abuses. Despite its rich natural resources, including minerals, oil, and gas, Balochistan remains one of the least developed and poorest regions in Pakistan. T
he local population often feels marginalised and believes that they do not benefit adequately from the region’s resources.
The political landscape in Balochistan is marked by both separatist sentiments and demands for greater autonomy within Pakistan. The Baloch nationalist groups argue that their region’s resources should benefit the local population and that they should have greater control over their own affairs.
The Pakistani government, meanwhile, has been focused on suppressing insurgency, which has further fueled discontent. (ANI)
Journalist Hamid Mir warns Baloch arrests won’t help, citing ongoing Balochistan tensions…reports Asian Lite New
Tensions in the Port City of Gwadar persist as the Pakistani defence forces have not released the previously arrested senior leaders of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) amid the Baloch Raaji Muchi protests.
According to the latest statement by the BYC on X, one of the arrested leaders Sabiha Baloch was released on Tuesday late at night after increasing dissent from the protestors, however, the whereabouts of two other Baloch activists Sammi Deen Baloch and Sabgath Ullah Baloch remain unknown.
In a post on X, the BYC stated “Gwadar: Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Dr. Sabiha Baloch has been released today following public pressure and resistance. However, we still have no information about Sammi Deen Baloch and Sabgath Ullah Baloch. They have been out of contact since yesterday morning. Additionally, more than 200 participants have been arrested from the Gwadar sit-in, and we have no information about them either”.
In another statement, the BYC had urged all state institutions to unconditionally release the peaceful protesters that had been arrested during the Baloch Raaji Muchi.
According to that statement on, X, “Finally, we make it clear to the state and all its institutions to immediately release all the arrested colleagues including our leadership without any ifs and buts, restore internet and mobile network throughout Makran including Gwadar and in all areas of Balochistan. Completely remove obstacles in front of all our convoys stopped at gunpoint by force”.
The statement further mentioned that “If the state and its institutions still do not change their terrorist and oppressive behaviour, then from today we will shut down the entire Balochistan including Quetta for an indefinite period and if any untoward incident occurs during this period, then all the responsibility will be on the state and It will be imposed on its institutions. Through this press conference, we inform BYC workers and Baloch people across Balochistan that peaceful and orderly dharna, protest rallies and wheel jam and shutterdown strikes should be held across Balochistan”.
Responding to the same situation in Balochistan, a prominent Pakistani journalist, Hamid Mir had previously raised his concerns, while warning that arrests of Baloch leaders and protestors will not yield any positive results.
In a post on X the journalist said, “Sammi and Sabiha have always raised their voice against enforced disappearances. Now they are missing. Police is saying they are with FC and FC is not admitting their arrest. Disappearance of their fathers never produced any positive result and disappearance of these women will further harm the state”.
Earlier in the day, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee urged the United Nations and Human Rights Organisations to take note of the peaceful protesters’ arrests by Pakistani forces. (ANI)
On July 21, Families of forcibly disappeared Baloch individuals launched a hunger strike unto death in the Turbat district of Pakistan’s Balochistan…reports Asian Lite News
As the five missing Baloch people’s families continued their protest for the third day, activist Mahrang Baloch demanded the safe return of the missing people.
In a statement, she said the Baloch people are protesting because the Counter Terrorist Department abducts people.
In a post on X, Mahrang said, “Why do Baloch march? Because every day, security forces break into Baloch homes, beat and abduct innocent people. Families of five missing persons continue their sit-in on Day 3, blocking the CPEC road, at Greshag demanding the safe return of their loved ones enforcedly disappeared by CTD.”
Why do Baloch march? Because every day, security forces break into Baloch homes, beat and abduct innocent people. Families of five missing persons continue their sit-in on Day 3, blocking the CPEC road, at Greshag demanding the safe return of their loved ones enforcedly… pic.twitter.com/7IVymaaRL7
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee in a post on X shared a video appeal by Saira Baloch the sister of one of the abducted persons.
“Saira Baloch, a sister protesting for his enforcedly disappeared brothers on roads for the last six years; urging the Baloch Raj to join the Baloch Raji Muchi at Gwadar. She is an example of suffering from the collective punishment that the families of disappeared persons go through. With unity and resistance, we can end this cycle of enforced disappearances and collective punishment of our mothers and sisters, and secure a prosperous future for our generations. ” the post said.
Saira Baloch, a sister protesting for his enforcedly disappeared brothers on roads for the last six years; urging the Baloch Raj to join the Baloch Raji Muchi at Gwadar. She is an example of suffering from collective punishment that the families of disappeared persons go… pic.twitter.com/dVORvKJ57q
— Baloch Yakjehti Committee (@BalochYakjehtiC) July 21, 2024
On July 21, Families of forcibly disappeared Baloch individuals launched a hunger strike unto death in the Turbat district of Pakistan’s Balochistan, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the Pakistani government’s handling of the issue. The protest, now in its seventh day, aims to highlight the plight of family members of those who were abducted and demand their safe return.
According to a statement from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a Baloch rights organisation, “The sit-in camp by victim families of the disappeared people has completed seven days.
“On July 18, they announced a hunger strike. These families, from various areas of the Kech district, have been protesting in front of the DC office in Turbat. On July 19, they began their hunger strike,” the BYC said.
The BYC has also called for a national gathering in Gwadar on July 28 to protest the forced disappearance of people. (ANI)
Balochistan home ministry spokesperson said that the internet suspension will impact Jhal Magsi, Jaffarabad, Quetta, Kachhi, and Usta Muhammad….reports Asian Lite Newa
The Balochistan government has suspended mobile and internet services in several cities on July 7, 9 and 10, Pakistan-based ARY News reported.
Balochistan home ministry spokesperson said that the internet suspension will impact Jhal Magsi, Jaffarabad, Quetta, Kachhi, and Usta Muhammad.
Over 18,000 personnel have been deployed in Quetta to ensure security on Youm-e-Ashurah. In addition, two helicopters will be used for aerial surveillance of processions on 7, 9, and 10 Muharram, according to ARY News report.
Section 144 has been enforced in seven districts, including restrictions like banning pillion riding to maintain law and order.
Recently, clashes erupted in Haripur district of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province over road barricading during a Muharram procession in Shah Mohammad village.
The incident resulted in injuries to fourteen individuals, including two policemen and a journalist, with reports of stones and chairs being thrown, Dawn reported. Police intervened using tear gas to disperse both factions. Heightened security measures are in place across Pakistan, with Punjab designating 502 sensitive areas and deploying army and Rangers personnel under Section 144 for Muharram.
The period is significant for Shia Muslims but sectarian violence, exploited by extremist groups to provoke fear have been witnessed historically. Previous attacks during Muharram have resulted in casualties, underscoring ongoing security challenges and the misuse of social media for incitement.
Tragic incidents, such as the suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Quetta on January 19, 2007 during Muharram prayers, resulted in at least 15 deaths and numerous injuries, highlighting the seriousness of these threats.
Similarly, a suicide bombing targeting a Muharram procession in Karachi on December 28, 2009 claimed the lives of at least 43 people and injured over 100.
Another bomb attack during a Muharram procession in Rawalpindi on November 21, 2012 resulted in the deaths of at least 23 people and injured over 60. These incidents highlight the ongoing security threats faced during this period of religious observance. (ANI)
