Residents accuse Pakistani forces and “Death Squad” of abuses in the Kech district raid

A late-night raid took place in the Kohad area of Tump tehsil, Kech district, prompting serious concerns among local residents. According to reports, Pakistani military forces, accompanied by local militia groups backed by the army often referred to as “death squads” conducted a house search in the early hours of May 2. Witnesses claim that during this operation, women and children in the household were subjected to physical abuse, raising fears of gross human rights violations.

The incident reportedly occurred around 1:00 am, when security personnel entered the home of an elderly man named Dad Muhammad, son of Chakar. Residents allege that the members of the household were physically assaulted, with women and children enduring violence, and that property inside the house was damaged during the operation. Such reports have heightened tensions and fears within the local community.

Residents further claimed that Dad Muhammad himself was beaten during the raid. There has been no official statement from Pakistani security authorities addressing the incident, leaving many questions unanswered and adding to the atmosphere of uncertainty and suspicion surrounding the event.

In addition to the recent raid, locals shared that Dad Muhammad’s son, Chakar, had previously been killed in the same region. The residents attribute his killing to a “death squad,” a term commonly used in parts of Balochistan to describe armed militias believed to operate with impunity. These groups are accused of targeting civilians, political activists, and others perceived as threats or opponents.

The existence and activities of such “death squads” remain unacknowledged by Pakistani authorities, who deny involvement in unlawful or extrajudicial actions. Human rights organizations have long expressed concern over reports of violence, intimidation, and a lack of accountability in Balochistan, where civilians often face arbitrary detention, abuse, and violence at the hands of security forces and associated groups.

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the region, where narratives differ sharply regarding security operations and the treatment of civilians. While authorities emphasize the legality of their actions, local residents and activists describe a pattern of violence and suppression, underscoring the fragile and volatile situation in Balochistan.