Baloch Women Forum urges action against escalating human rights violations in Balochistan

The Baloch Women Forum (BWF) has issued a press release highlighting a disturbing rise in human rights violations in Balochistan, emphasizing the exploitation of these crises by political organizations for their own gain, while the local population continues to endure oppression. The BWF specifically referred to a tragic event that occurred on January 4, 2025, during a peaceful protest in Hoshap against the enforced disappearances of Abul Hassan and Zaman Baloch from Turbat. A young protester was run over by a truck during the demonstration, later passing away despite being rushed to medical facilities in Turbat and Karachi. The spokesperson questioned, “Aside from the state, whom can we hold accountable for such lethal actions against the constitutional right to peaceful assembly (Article 16) and habeas corpus (Article 199)?”

The statement went on to condemn extrajudicial killings, notably mentioning the case of Afzal Manzoor from Turbat, who was forcibly taken on December 8, 2024. His two brothers, Ihsan Manzoor and Hamid Manzoor, were also abducted; although they were eventually released, Afzal’s whereabouts remained uncertain. His body was later discovered displayed in a staged explosion, bearing clear signs of torture, echoing a similar incident in Balgatar, Kech district, where three forcibly disappeared Baloch individuals were found in a vehicle rigged with explosives by security forces.

The BWF also highlighted the tragic story of Zakaria Baloch, who was taken by security forces in Gwadar. Although he was released, he was subsequently shot dead by unidentified assailants. These attackers, often deemed “unknown,” are widely believed to be responsible for ongoing violence against previously abducted individuals and have yet to face justice.

Additionally, the press release addressed recent mass disappearances in the Zehri area of Khuzdar district, which have sparked widespread protests among local residents, who blocked the Karachi-Quetta highway in response. While some individuals have been released, many remain missing and are feared to be held in illegal detention centers operated by the state.

The spokesperson criticized the silence of elected officials, who have been quick to denounce attacks by insurgents but have failed to advocate for the citizens who have been forcibly abducted. This silence reflects a lack of effective representation for the populace, as noted by the spokesperson.

In conclusion, the BWF’s statement emphasized that such inaction breeds resentment among the Baloch people toward the state and its institutions. The forum called upon both Pakistani and international human rights advocates to exert pressure on the state to end its ongoing violations of Baloch rights. Furthermore, it urged the Baloch populace to unite and resist state oppression collectively across all platforms, asserting, “Our collective resistance is our most crucial and effective remedy.”