Human Rights Violations and Enforced Disappearances in Balochistan
This report highlights the prevalent human rights violations and enforced disappearances occurring in Balochistan, demanding urgent attention and intervention from the international community. The Pakistani army’s actions in Balochistan have resulted in grave violations of human rights, causing immense suffering to the Baloch people. The PAANK department aims to shed light on these atrocities, urging international organizations to hold the responsible parties accountable and work towards ending these abuses.
Human Rights Violations in Balochistan
Balochistan is currently under the complete control of the Pakistani army, which has imposed severe restrictions on the lives of its residents. People are unable to move freely without the army’s permission, and military operations are conducted on a daily basis. Thousands of individuals have been forcibly disappeared, while many have lost their lives due to military actions. Furthermore, the army has established armed squads, known as death squads, in various areas. These squads recruit criminals and engage in activities such as harassment, theft, and even killing on behalf of the army. The Awaran area, where Bibi Najma Baloch’s tragic incident occurred, is also under the rule of such armed squads.
The army’s actions have resulted in unimaginable suffering for the Baloch people. Women are harassed and forced into working as collaborators, and a culture of fear prevents individuals from speaking out against these injustices. The Baloch population silently endures these oppressions, as they fear harsh consequences if they raise their voices. The case of Bibi Najma Baloch is just one example among hundreds of similar incidents that remain hidden due to pressure and fear.
Bibi Najma Baloch, the victim of the tragic incident, was an educated and dedicated young woman with a strong sense of social service. Despite the challenges posed by the occupation of school buildings by the army in her area, she took it upon herself to provide free education to children in her community. As a laborer in the Awaran district, she went above and beyond, using her own resources to cover the expenses of books and other necessities for over 100 boys and girls attending her school.
Her commitment to education and her belief in the power of knowledge to bring about positive change in Balochistan made her a respected figure in her community. Bibi Najma Baloch’s determination to overcome the obstacles created by the military’s presence in her area exemplified her courage and unwavering spirit.
Tragically, the relentless harassment and coercion she faced at the hands of the Pakistani army and their agent, Noor Bakhsh, led to immense mental stress. Unable to bear the humiliation, slavery, and the role of an informant, she made the heartbreaking decision to end her own life, seeking an escape from the oppression she faced.
It is vital to highlight Bibi Najma Baloch’s story as a poignant example of the human rights abuses and systemic injustices that plague Balochistan. Her courage, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice serve as a reminder of the urgent need for international attention and intervention to address the human rights crisis in the region.
Enforced Disappearances in Balochistan
Enforced disappearances have become a routine practice for the Pakistani army in Balochistan. In May 2023 alone, 26 individuals were forcefully disappeared, adding to the thousands who have suffered a similar fate. Shockingly, only 7 individuals were released from the Pakistani army’s dungeons, but they were subjected to mental and physical torture during their captivity. The reasons behind these disappearances and the charges against the victims have never been explained. This continuous practice of enforced disappearances has severely damaged the physical and mental health of the Baloch people.
Call for International Intervention
The PAANK Department appeals to international organizations to prioritize the restoration of human rights and the well-being of the Baloch people in Balochistan. The responsible military institutions, including their personnel, must be held accountable for the daily practice of enforced disappearances and torture. It is crucial to put an end to this collective punishment inflicted upon the Baloch nation.
Moreover, it is disheartening to note that local officials of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and other organizations benefitting from international aid have largely remained silent or made selective statements regarding this pressing human rights issue. Their complicity or inaction contributes to a worsening situation and perpetuates pessimism and resentment among the Baloch population.
Recommendations
- International organizations should exert pressure on the Pakistani government to immediately cease human rights violations and enforced disappearances in Balochistan.
- Human rights monitoring teams should be deployed to investigate and document the situation on the ground.
- Support should be provided to organizations and individuals working towards promoting human rights, protecting victims, and advocating for justice.
Sanctions and diplomatic measures should be considered against the Pakistani government if it fails to address these issues and hold the responsible parties accountable. - The human rights violations and enforced disappearances in Balochistan demand urgent attention and intervention.
The PAANK Department urges international organizations to take proactive steps to address these grave abuses and restore justice and dignity to the Baloch people. The rights and well-being of the Baloch population must be safeguarded, and the perpetrators of human rights violations and enforced disappearances must be held accountable for their actions. International organizations have a crucial role to play in advocating for justice, raising awareness, and supporting efforts to bring an end to these atrocities.
It is essential for the international community to recognize the severity of the situation in Balochistan and work collectively to ensure that human rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled. The voices of the Baloch people, who have endured immense suffering, must be heard, and their rights must be upheld.
The PAANK Department calls upon international human rights organizations, governments, and stakeholders to take decisive action to address the human rights crisis in Balochistan. By working together, we can help bring about meaningful change, hold perpetrators accountable, and create a future where the people of Balochistan can live in dignity, free from fear, oppression, and enforced disappearances. It is only through collective efforts and unwavering commitment that we can make a lasting impact and uphold the principles of human rights for all.