Rights violations surge in Balochistan amid security crackdown, claims report

Balochistan [Pakistan], April 1 (ANI) A recent report by the Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) has raised serious concerns over escalating human rights violations in the province, alleging a sharp rise in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings during February 2026. At least 234 individuals were forcibly disappeared, while 87 people were killed within the month, as reported by The Balochistan Post.
According to The Balochistan Post, the report highlights that victims included one woman and nine teenagers, with the overwhelming majority being men. Only a small number of those abducted reportedly resurfaced, leaving most still unaccounted for. HRCB described these abuses as routine, asserting that such incidents have become a persistent feature of life in Balochistan.
The spike in violations followed coordinated attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army in late January, after which security forces launched extensive operations. These actions allegedly included curfews, communication blackouts, and heavy use of force, resulting in civilian casualties. The report accuses security agencies of conducting widespread raids, arbitrary detentions, and destruction of property.
It further alleges mistreatment of civilians, including women and children, during these operations. HRCB claims that many detainees were later killed in what it terms staged encounters, a pattern it views as deliberate and systematic.
Students and working-class individuals were disproportionately affected. Quetta recorded the highest number of cases, followed by districts such as Nushki, Kech, and Gwadar. Authorities reportedly labelled many detainees as "suspects" without providing legal clarity on their status. The killings documented included instances of indiscriminate firing, custodial deaths, and alleged fake encounters. Several victims reportedly showed signs of torture. The report also notes civilian deaths during military actions, including women and children killed in residential areas, as highlighted by The Balochistan Post.
In addition, HRCB questioned official claims regarding arrests linked to insurgent groups, suggesting some individuals had previously been missing before being presented as suspects. Pakistani authorities have not issued an official response to these allegations, as reported by The Balochistan Post. (ANI)