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Balochistan: Human rights organisations have reported a fresh series of alleged enforced disappearances and extrajudicial actions in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, intensifying concerns over civilian safety and the rule of law. At least four Baloch civilians were reportedly taken by security forces within a single week, while another individual who had been missing for weeks was later found dead under disturbing circumstances. Rights groups argue that these incidents reflect a broader and long-standing pattern of abuse that continues to destabilise the region and traumatise local communities.

Alleged Abduction of a Shopkeeper in Quetta

According to rights advocates, one of the latest cases involves a 29-year-old shopkeeper named Irfan from the Killi Qambrani area of Quetta. He was reportedly taken from his home during the night on January 22. Human rights organisations claim that personnel from Pakistan’s Frontier Corps carried out the operation, leaving his family in deep distress.

Activists say the sudden nature of the raid and the lack of official information afterward have heightened fear among residents. Families of the disappeared often struggle not only with emotional trauma but also with economic hardship, as many victims are primary breadwinners. Rights groups stress that such actions violate basic legal protections and international human rights standards.

Two Brothers Reportedly Taken in Gwadar District

Another incident reported the same night involved two brothers, Balach Hassan and Ehsan Hassan, from the Kohsar Bazaar area of Gwadar district. Human rights monitors state that security personnel conducted a late-night operation and removed the brothers from their home. Since then, no official statement has clarified their location or legal status.

Local activists say enforced disappearances in coastal districts like Gwadar have increased anxiety among residents, especially as the area gains strategic and economic importance. They argue that the absence of transparency fuels mistrust between civilians and state institutions, making reconciliation and development efforts more difficult.

Concerns Over Repeated Targeting of a Religious Cleric

In a separate case from Quetta, rights organisations highlighted the disappearance of 36-year-old Muhammad Hassan, a religious cleric from the same Killi Qambrani locality. He was allegedly taken on January 22 during a joint operation involving security forces and interior authorities.

What has particularly alarmed activists is that this is reportedly the second time Hassan has been subjected to enforced disappearance. Rights defenders warn that repeated targeting of the same individual raises serious questions about due process and personal safety, and they hold authorities responsible for ensuring his well-being.

Discovery of a Body After Weeks of Disappearance

Adding to the gravity of the situation, a human rights committee reported that a man named Noman from the Mand area of Kech district was allegedly extrajudicially killed after being missing for nearly two months. His body was reportedly found in the Tump region, bearing signs of severe torture and gunshot wounds.

Family members stated that Noman had been detained from a picnic spot on November 19, 2025, during an operation by armed personnel. According to the account, his friend Ismail was killed at the scene, while Noman was taken away alive. Rights groups argue that the discovery of his body underscores the deadly consequences that enforced disappearances can lead to if unchecked.

Growing Demands for Accountability

Human rights organisations continue to demand the immediate disclosure of the whereabouts of all missing individuals and call for their safe release. They insist that enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings erode public trust, violate constitutional guarantees, and breach international obligations.

Activists emphasize that lasting peace in Balochistan cannot be achieved through fear and coercion. Instead, they argue, accountability, transparency, and respect for civilian rights are essential to address longstanding grievances and prevent further loss of life. As reports of new cases continue to emerge, pressure is mounting on authorities to respond decisively and restore confidence among affected communities.