Enforced disappearances continue in Balochistan amid ongoing military raids

Quetta [Pakistan], September 30 (HBTV): The cycle of enforced disappearances in Balochistan continues, with three more individuals reportedly going missing following detention by Pakistani security forces, according to local sources and families, The Balochistan Post reported.

On September 27, security personnel conducted a late-night raid in the Konchati area of Dasht, Kech district, during which Altaf, son of Habtain, and Gulab, son of Ayub Baloch, were taken into custody and have not been seen since. Two days earlier, Saud, son of Haji Rahim, was reportedly apprehended from his residence in the Hairabad area of Kech, and his whereabouts remain unknown.

Amid these disappearances, three individuals who had previously been forcibly disappeared have reportedly returned home. Sheeraz, son of Ghulam Qadir from Barkhan, detained on September 20, was released a week later. Siraj, son of Sanjar from Balgatar, held in Turbat on September 26, was released the following day. Asghar Karmdani rejoined his family after three months in custody.

Meanwhile, security forces launched operations in Buleda, Kech district, and Panjgur district. Troops reportedly raided houses in the Gardank area, firing weapons in residential zones, though no injuries were reported. In Panjgur, homes in Haji Isa Bazaar, Haji Hakeem Bazaar, and Kadaan were searched, and the areas were photographed and recorded, with no arrests made.

Enforced disappearances have long plagued Balochistan, with victims often young men picked up during raids, held incommunicado, and never formally charged. Families are left without answers, fueling public outrage and distrust, while international condemnation has done little to halt the practice.

(ANI)