Pakistan Forces Abduct Two Baloch Men In Brutal Crackdown

Pakistani security forces launched a crackdown in Balochistan and forcibly took with them two young men: Liaquat Mustafa and Umar Atta, Paank, the human rights group of Baloch National Movement, said in a statement.

The incident reportedly occurred on the night of July 4, and the two men belonged to Mashkai. Paank added that the Pakistani forces acted with impunity and refused to follow any legal process.

This is not the first time that Liaquat’s family has had to endure ill-treatment by the Pakistani forces. In 2016, Liaquat’s father Ghulam Mustafa was similarly taken away by forces in Pakistan, never to be seen again.

Repeated Abductions by Pakistan Security Forces In Balochistan

Moreover, Umar Atta also was abducted that same year, although he was released later. These incidents show Pakistan’s cruel cycle of impunity and prevalent government brutality, Paank said, adding that security forces have repeatedly targeted Baloch families over the years.

The rights group said the actions of the Pakistani establishment are a violation of international human rights law, and it sought the immediate and safe return of the two men. 

Paank noted that the abductions are a way to threaten civilians in Balochistan and silence dissent in the area. It also urged global rights groups such as the UN and Amnesty International to take cognizance of the matter and seek accountability from Pakistan.

Rights Group Paank Wants Global Intervention

“Enforced disappearances have become a common method of the Pakistani state in Balochistan; we urge the international community to hold Pakistan accountable and to ensure justice for the victims and their families,” Paank was quoted as saying in various media reports.

Recently, the province has witnessed a spate of such arbitrary actions, as six more Baloch men were picked up by security forces in different districts between July 1 and 2.

However, the Pakistani government is yet to respond to these charges made by Baloch groups, and has maintained complete silence over all the accusations.

Certain groups in Balochistan advocate for an armed struggle to carve out a different and independent state from Pakistan. The most notable among them is the Baloch Liberation Army.

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