This investigative report delves into critical human rights issues plaguing the region of Balochistan, focusing on enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, horrifying road accidents, and the wrongful accusations of forcibly disappeared individuals in false terrorist cases. Through rigorous data collection and field investigations, this report aims to shed light on the concerning trends and challenges faced by the Baloch people.
Key Findings:
- Extrajudicial Killings
- Enforced Disappearances
- False Cases and Accusations by Government Officials against Previously Forcibly Disappeared Individuals
- Road Accidents
- Recommendations
- Conclusion
Extrajudicial Killings
Balochistan is facing a wave of violent actions orchestrated by state forces, primarily the Frontier Corps (FC), a federal law enforcement agency, the Counter-Terrorism Department, and army-backed death squads. Besides the rise in cases of enforced disappearances and abductions, there has been a reported increase in the number of extrajudicial killings. Many of those who forcibly disappeared have later turned up dead, often with torture marks on their bodies.
Reported Cases
According to data received by Paank, three cases of extrajudicial executions were reported in May:
- Zahid Niaz, a resident of Kandari Mashkai district Awaran, was shot dead on May 27 by local death squads. His family was forced to leave their hometown in 2017.
- Balach Nazir Ahmed Badini, a football player from Nushki, was shot in broad daylight. He was forcibly disappeared last year and later released
- Yar Muhammed Jalal was also killed on May 27 in Nasirabad.
These incidents illustrate a troubling pattern of targeted violence and highlight the brutal tactics employed by state forces to suppress dissent.
Enforced Disappearances
The state law enforcement agencies uses enforced disappearances as a tool to suppress dissent. In Balochistan, the practice has become a crucial component of the state’s counterinsurgency policy. Enforced disappearances are a routine occurrence in Balochistan, with victims often subjected to torture and inhumane treatment during their detention. In month of May 90 cases were reported in different parts of Balochistan including Karachi. 19 persons were released from the torture cells.
Cases of Enforced Disappearances in Different Districts
| District | Cases |
|---|---|
| Kech | 22 |
| Gwadar | 15 |
| Awaran | 9 |
| Dera Bugti | 29 |
| Mach | 2 |
| Nasirabad | 2 |
| Khuzdar | 2 |
| Shaal | 3 |
| Dera Ghazi Khan | 2 |
| Nushki | 2 |
| Karachi | 1 |
| Panjgur | 1 |
| Total Cases | 90 |
These figures reveal the widespread nature of enforced disappearances and the deep-rooted impunity enjoyed by perpetrators.
Registration of False Cases and Accusations against Previously Forcibly Disappeared Individuals
Many cases of enforced disappearances in Balochistan involve law enforcement agencies fabricating charges against individuals who were previously forcibly disappeared. This practice compounds the trauma and injustice experienced by these individuals and their families.
In May, three individuals who had been forcibly disappeared were later accused in fabricated cases:
- Niaz Abdullah and Basheer Abdul Ghani: On June 1, the provincial interior minister of Balochistan, Ziaullah Langove, announced in a media release that these two men had been arrested in Gwadar. They were accused of killing seven people in Surbandar, Gwadar. Both had previously been forcibly disappeared.
- Faisal Suwali: Faisal was forcibly disappeared and later accused of involvement in terrorist activities. He was subsequently handed over to the police with fabricated charges against him.
These cases illustrate a disturbing pattern where individuals who have already suffered the ordeal of enforced disappearance are further victimized by being falsely accused of serious crimes. This not only undermines the credibility of law enforcement agencies but also raises serious concerns about the rule of law and human rights in Balochistan.
Road Accidents
Despite numerous other survival issues in Balochistan, poor road infrastructure remains a significant problem. The government has shown little interest in building and repairing roads, leading to numerous fatal accidents.
On May 29, a bus of Abraz Transport traveling from Turbat to Quetta, about 750 km to the north, fell into a ravine. The accident resulted in 29 deaths and 25 injuries.
Among the deceased were:
- Two professors from Turbat University: Dr. Nimatullah and Dr. Amir Zeb
- A social activist and founding member of the local NGO “School for All”: Dervish Aziz
- Two medical students from Makuran Medical College: Cherag Aslam and Shah Faisal
- Mohammed Aziz Hassan, a resident of Jusak Turbat
- Ayub, a dispenser at Balochistan Residential College Turbat, along with his son
Underlying Causes:
Several factors contribute to the high rate of road accidents in Balochistan:
Damaged Infrastructure:
Many roads were severely damaged in the floods and have not been repaired, leaving potholes and uneven surfaces that pose constant threats to motorists.
Narrow and Single-Lane Highways:
The region is characterized by narrow, single-lane highways that are inadequate for the volume of traffic they carry. Despite repeated calls from activists for road expansion, the government’s response has been sluggish, leaving drivers to navigate these treacherous paths often too cramped for safe passage.
Lack of Safety and Navigation Signage:
The absence of adequate safety and navigation signs further exacerbates the risk, leaving drivers to rely on guesswork and familiarity rather than clear instructions. This lack of signage makes it difficult for drivers to anticipate dangerous stretches of road or make informed decisions while driving.
Recommendations:
Immediate Investigations:
Conduct thorough and impartial investigations into all reported cases of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
Judicial Accountability:
Hold state forces accountable for human rights abuses through legal and judicial mechanisms.
Infrastructure Development:
Invest in the repair and development of road infrastructure to prevent further accidents and fatalities.
Protection of Civil Liberties:
Ensure the protection of civil liberties and human rights for all Baloch citizens, particularly those wrongfully accused and previously forcibly disappeared.
International Oversight:
Involve international human rights organizations to monitor and report on the human rights situation in Balochistan.
By addressing these critical issues, there is hope for improving the human rights situation in Balochistan and ensuring justice for the affected individuals and their families.
Conclusion:
This investigative report highlights the severe human rights violations in Balochistan, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and the government’s neglect of road infrastructure. The wrongful accusations against previously disappeared individuals further exacerbate the plight of the Baloch people, demanding immediate attention and action from the national and international community.