Baluchistan Erupts in Protests Against Surge in Extrajudicial Killings and Disappearances

Baluchistan is in the midst of widespread unrest as a surge in extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances sparks massive protests across the region, according to a report by the Human Rights Council of Baluchistan (HRCB).

During the month of November, a disturbing spike in human rights violations unfolded, with 65 recorded incidents of enforced disappearances affecting diverse demographics, ranging from minors and disabled individuals to newlyweds, students, doctors, shopkeepers, and laborers. Shockingly, 39 extrajudicial killings were reported, including 10 individuals who had previously disappeared and were later killed in staged encounters by state forces.

Among the triggering incidents was the extrajudicial killing of ten Baloch students, initially reported missing and later discovered to have been killed by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in fabricated encounters, as detailed by the HRCB.

The alarming trend included the case of Balach, a tailor from Turbat, who, despite being granted a 10-day remand by the court, was reported dead in a supposed encounter after his family met him during legal proceedings.

Protests erupted across Baluchistan as citizens from all walks of life united against the systematic violence and ethnic targeting of Baloch people through practices such as enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, according to the HRCB. Despite peaceful demonstrations, security forces responded with aggression, beating and disrespecting protesters and creating obstacles for marchers.

Tragic incidents continued throughout the month, with casualties including individuals reportedly killed by the Frontier Corps (FC) and others falling victim to indiscriminate firing by police authorities. Nine people were reportedly killed by the FC, while seven others died in an alleged encounter in Zhob. A woman also lost her life due to firing by SHO Noshki, leading to local protests against police violence.

The distressing report further highlighted incidents such as targeted killings by unknown militants, including the death of journalist Sharif Shahzad, and the honor killing of a man and woman, whose decomposed bodies were recovered in Mastung and Harnai.

Enforced disappearances carried out by paramilitary forces in Pakistan reached an alarming level, with 65 documented

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