Pakistani forces reportedly apprehended 54 individuals in June across 12 districts of Balochistan, Pakistan, sparking concerns over an increase in cases of enforced disappearances according to a report. PAANK, the human rights division of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), published its monthly report highlighting human rights challenges encountered by the Baloch community in Pakistan.
The report disclosed that Balochistan province experienced four cases of torture, two extrajudicial killings, and 54 instances of enforced disappearances. It also stated that Pakistani forces reportedly detained 54 individuals across 12 districts of Balochistan. Additionally, in June, an incident involving suicide linked to psychological distress from enforced disappearances occurred in Balochistan, following the abduction of Aqeel Ahmed from Mulai Bazar in Turbat district during the third week of June.
The PAANK report cited a psychologist’s statement indicating that Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has become widespread in Balochistan, exacerbated by incidents of enforced disappearances, torture, and military actions. It also noted a significant rise in protests across Balochistan, particularly in the Makran division, against extrajudicial activities.
The report also highlighted that the districts of Kech, Dera Bugti, Mastung, and Awaran in Balochistan recorded the highest number of enforced disappearances, totaling 37 cases. Enforced disappearance remains a significant issue in Pakistan, as evidenced by the submission of 197 missing persons cases to the Pakistan Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (COIOED) in the first half of 2024.
The commission, established in 2011 to investigate missing persons cases and assign responsibility, has received a total of 10,285 cases as of June 30. Of these, 8,015 cases have been resolved, with 6,464 individuals located. According to Dawn, 1,551 cases have been closed. In the first half of 2023, 226 cases were resolved. Currently, 2,270 cases remain unresolved, while 4,514 individuals have returned home. Additionally, 1,002 cases involve individuals in internment centers, 671 in prisons, and 277 cases have resulted in fatalities. In June, the commission received 47 new cases, resolving 28, with 13 not related to enforced disappearances.