Here is a summary of the key human rights violations in Balochistan as reported by the Baloch National Movement’s Human Rights Department (Paank) for the year 2024:
Overview
Enforced Disappearances: A total of 619 cases were documented throughout the year, with significant spikes in May, October, and November, indicating a disturbing trend of state-sanctioned abductions.
Extrajudicial Killings: 68 cases were reported, with a notable increase in August and November, showing a pattern of state violence aimed at suppression and control.
Torture: 339 victims reported across the year, with consistent monthly figures, underscoring the systematic use of torture as a tool of repression.
Key Incidents by Month
January: Aerial Attack: An attack on Baloch refugees near the IranBalochistan border resulted in multiple civilian deaths, highlighting the vulnerability of displaced populations.
Enforced Disappearances: 39 cases, including the abduction of Wahid Kamber Baloch.
February: Killings Post-Conflict: After a conflict in Mach, detainees were killed, raising concerns about the treatment of prisoners of war and detained civilians.
March: Extrajudicial Killings in Karachi: Two individuals forcibly disappeared previously were killed in what appeared to be staged encounters.
April: Freedom of Movement: The fencing around Gwadar restricts local populations’ mobility, potentially violating rights to freedom of movement and residence.
May: Death Squad Activities: Notable cases of killings by state or stateaffiliated death squads, illustrating the danger faced by civilians.
June: Psychological Impact: The suicide of Aqeel Ahmed points to the severe psychological toll of enforced disappearances and torture.
July: Protest Suppression: Violent crackdown on peaceful protests against human rights abuses, resulting in deaths and injuries, with communication blackouts used to isolate the region.
August: Assassination Attempt: The attack on Abid Washdil shows ongoing threats to those previously detained or acquitted.
September: Killings of Brothers: The murder of Muhammad Ismail and Muhammad Abbas by security forces exemplifies the brutality and lack of accountability.
October: Mass Enforced Disappearances: With 110 cases, this month saw the highest incidence, particularly targeting students and intellectuals.
November: Strategy of Fear: The use of extrajudicial killings as part of a broader strategy to control and intimidate the population.
December: Continued Disappearances: Despite some decline, the pattern of disappearances continued, with 22 cases noted.
Paank’s Call to Action
Investigation and Accountability: Urgent need for independent investigations into these human rights violations, particularly enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
Protection of Civilians: Immediate measures to ensure the safety of civilians, especially those returning from forced disappearances, and protection against reprisals.
International Scrutiny: Calls for international bodies to monitor, pressure for accountability, and assist in documentation and support for victims.
Humanitarian Access: Advocacy for unhindered humanitarian access to regions like Gwadar to mitigate the effects of state policies on civilian life.
Paank emphasizes the critical need for comprehensive human rights reforms, the cessation of these practices, and the establishment of mechanisms for justice and reconciliation in Balochistan.