Pakistan: Balochistan bleeds as BYC report alleges state-led killings

Balochistan [Pakistan], February 21 (ANI): A new report released by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee has alleged a disturbing escalation in extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and staged police encounters across Balochistan during February, raising fresh concerns about Pakistan's security policies in the province, as reported by The Balochistan Post.
According to The Balochistan Post, the committee documented at least 19 deaths in a single month, warning that the real number could be significantly higher.
The group said many incidents remain unrecorded due to strict media controls and fear among affected families, who are often reluctant to speak publicly. These constraints have made independent verification increasingly difficult.
The report states that several of those killed were unarmed civilians, including minors and students. Among the cases cited was three-year old, who allegedly died in a drone strike, and a 12-year-old, who was reportedly shot dead.
The committee documented instances where students who had previously been forcibly disappeared were later found dead. These included matriculation and FSc students Nawab Abdullah, Jangiyan Baloch and Junaid Ahmed.
One of the most high-profile cases involved 24-year old Hamdan Baloch. He was taken into custody by Pakistan's Counter Terrorism Department in Karachi on December 29, 2025.
Weeks later, on February 18, he was killed in what police described as an encounter. However, the committee alleged that the circumstances pointed toward a staged killing, questioning the legality of the operation and the responsibility of authorities during his detention, as highlighted by The Balochistan Post.
The report also named several other individuals, including Malang Baloch, Karim Jan, Pazeer Baloch and Aseel Baloch, who allegedly forcibly disappeared before being killed.
Some deaths were attributed to targeted attacks by what the group described as state-backed militias. Calling the situation a grave assault on the Baloch people's dignity and security, the committee urged the United Nations and international rights organisations to push for independent investigations and accountability, as reported by The Balochistan Post. (ANI)