Feb 08, 2013

Balochistan: Enforced-Disappearances On The Rise As Elections Get Closer


The number of forcibly disappeared Baloch by Pakistani security forces continues to rise on a daily basis ahead of national elections in Pakistan.

Below is an article published by Balochwarna News:

Pakistani security forces have accelerated in-custody killings and abductions of Baloch activists ahead of forthcoming elections.

Balochistan media sources reported that at least ten more Baloch have been abducted from Turbat, Pirkoh and Khuzdar towns of Balochistan whereas three bullets riddled bodies found from Mastung and Panjgur in past few days.

The bullet-ridden body of Babul Jattak Baloch was discovered in Mastung on 2nd February. Mr Jattak was abducted along with Mohammad Hiyat Baloch on 18 August 2012 from Mastung, Balochistan.

On Sunday 3 February [2013], another mutilated body was found in Mastung which has been identified as that of Balach Mohammad Younus. Balach was also reportedly abducted by Pakistani security forces some time ago.

A day later yet another body of a previously abducted Baloch was found at Newlan dam area of Panjgur. The identity of the body was ascertained as Irshad Elahi Baksh, a resident of Sarawan area of Panjgur who was abducted on 22 July last year.

Continuous abductions: Master Sher Mohammad Baloch a resident of Buleda has been abducted by the Pakistani secret agencies from Turbat city of Balochistan on 31st January. Another Baloch Asim has been abducted after he attended the protest rally of the Baloch National Front in Turbat on February 2, 2013. He along with his wife and children was on his way back when the Pakistani security forces abducted him. Asim Baloch is resident of Nizarabad area of Tump in Balochistan.

According to Baloch social media activists, at least five Baloch were abducted in the Pirkoh area on 2 February [2013]. The victims have been named as Naqibo, Ahmad Bux, Mohammad Bux, Imam Bux and Allah Bux. Their whereabouts remained unknown till the filing of this report.

Separately, two Baloch teachers and a student of agriculture were abducted from Khuzdar town of Balochistan on 5 February [2013]. The abductees have been named as Liaqat Ali Baloch, Jameel Ahmad Baloch and Shah Mir Baloch. The two teachers have reportedly been released, whereas student Shah Mir Baloch’s fate remains unknown.

The families of the enforced-disappeared Baloch have continuously been appealing to the international community and the UN to take notice of the abductions and killings of their loved ones by Pakistani intelligence agencies.