Latest news with #Baloch
India Today
5 hours ago
- Politics
- India Today
Baloch women now face brutality of Pakistani establishment
Enforced disappearances, the ruthless tactic of the Pakistani establishment's playbook long used on Baloch men, children, and the elderly, is now being unleashed on women. Women are the new targets of human rights violations in Balochistan, a province where flags of independence have been raised by rebels. Mahjabeen Baloch, a 24-year-old, became the latest victim of the Pakistani state's suppression. She was kidnapped in the last week of disappearance is part of a trend in Balochistan. Since the detention and subsequent arrest of Balochistan's lioness Mahrang Baloch in March, the restive province has seen an uptick in women being targeted, a trend that the Baloch Women Forum says "reflects an alarming escalation in the ongoing human rights violations in Balochistan".An enforced disappearance is an "arrest, detention, abduction or any other form of deprivation of liberty by agents of the State or by persons or groups of persons acting with the authorisation, support or acquiescence of the State, followed by a refusal to acknowledge the deprivation of liberty or by concealment of the fate or whereabouts of the disappeared person, which place such a person outside the protection of the law", says the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).advertisement In Balochistan, the duration of enforced disappearances varies, with many missing for years and some for as long as 18 years. The bodies of some are found years later, dumped or buried in desolate trend of forced disappearances of Baloch women comes even as Pakistan reels under a surge of Baloch armed rebel activity, which has shaken its internal security and its keeper, the military Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had in May admitted that the "state's grip on Balochistan is slipping, especially after nightfall". Amid these growing internal fissures, Army Chief Asim Munir is visibly tightening his BALOCH ABDUCTED DAYS AFTER HER BROTHER'S DISAPPEARANCEIn the early hours of May 29, Mahjabeen Baloch, a 24-year-old library science student at the University of Balochistan, was forcibly detained by personnel from Pakistan's Frontier Corps and intelligence agencies. She was picked up from Quetta's Civil Hospital, and since then, her whereabouts remain unknown, reported The Balochistan detention came less than a week after her brother, Muhammad Younus, an engineering student, was also forcibly taken away from their home in Basima, a town in central was reportedly abducted during a night raid carried out by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).advertisement"Our homes have been raided repeatedly by security forces. Our loved ones have been taken from their beds and their mutilated bodies dumped in desolate places... Many still remain lost in the darkness of enforced disappearance," Mahjabeen's family Baloch Women Forum (BWF) has condemned the incident, and said Mahjabeen's disappearance is the latest example of a growing pattern of "state violence against Baloch women".A HISTORY OF REPRESSIVE ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCES IN BALOCHISTANSecessionist sentiment in Balochistan traces back to what many see as Muhammad Ali Jinnah's betrayal in 1948, when the Khan of Kalat was coerced into acceding to Pakistan despite earlier assurances of decades, Balochistan has been a hotbed of unrest, with the ethnic Baloch people agitating against what they perceive as exploitation by the Pakistani establishment, and the Chinese, and their interests tied to projects of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).The Pakistani military and security forces have used enforced disappearances as a tool to suppress dissent, targeting men, children, and the elderly suspected of supporting Baloch nationalist movements or criticising state disappearances often involve abductions without legal process, followed by torture, and in some cases, extrajudicial stark example is the case of Abdul Ghaffar Langove, a Baloch nationalist and father of activist Mahrang Baloch. Abducted in 2009, his body was found in 2011, bearing signs of severe discoveries are not uncommon; families often find the bodies of their loved ones dumped in remote areas, disfigured beyond recognition, as a warning to to the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (COIOED), 2,752 active cases of enforced disappearances were recorded in Balochistan as of January 2024, though human rights groups like the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) estimate the number to be closer to 7,000 since UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination expressed concern in September 2024 about the "increasing rate of enforced disappearance among persons belonging to ethnic minority groups in Sindh and Balochistan Provinces".TARGETING OF BALOCH WOMEN IS A DISTURBING NEW TRENDWith men locked up and killed by Pakistani security agencies, Baloch women have taken on more prominent roles in protests and activism, through movements like the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). As a result, they have also become direct targets of state women have also become suicide bombers for the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as part of the armed to Mahjabeen's detention, the Balochistan-based National Democratic Party said that "for years, Baloch men, elderly and young alike, have faced enforced disappearances", and warned that this "cruel trend has now extended to Baloch women", according to a report in The Balochistan Baloch, the 32-year-old doctor-turned-BYC leader, was arrested on March 22, during a peaceful sit-in in Quetta, alongside her sister Mehran-e-Sareng. For nearly 12 hours, their whereabouts were unknown. She has been charged with terrorism, sedition and February 2023, Mahal Baloch, a 28-year-old mother of two, was detained by the CTD in Quetta after a raid on her home. Her young daughters were also detained overnight. In another case, Rasheeda Zehri was forcibly taken away in February 2023, marking an early instance of this precise numbers of women abducted are harder to verify due to under-reporting, the BWF has noted that the targeting of women is a "deeply disturbing development" that violates cultural norms and human UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Mary Lawlor, expressed concern over the detention of Mahrang and other women, urging Pakistani authorities to "refrain from abusing counter-terrorism or public safety measures against human rights defenders".advertisement"Mahrang Baloch's case highlights the increasing targeting of women activists in Pakistan. Women who challenge the status quo face not only political persecution but also threats of gender-based violence," Amnesty International's coordinator for Pakistan, Irfan Ali, they came for the Baloch men, then the children and the elderly, now the women. And this signals a troubling expansion of the Pakistani establishment's repression in Balochistan.
Express Tribune
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Army will crushall threats: COAS
Listen to article Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has said that the Pakistan Army remains fully alert and prepared to respond decisively to any threat and reiterates that peace in Balochistan is non-negotiable and that the future of Pakistan is directly linked to a stable and prosperous Balochistan. While interacting with tribal elders during a Grand Jirga at the Zehri Auditorium in Quetta, the chief of the army staff lauded the bravery and resilience of security forces and the law-enforcement personnel operating in Balochistan, said a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office on Sunday. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Munir jointly addressed the Jirga, which was organised to interact with the tribal leadership and discuss the evolving security situation in Balochistan, with particular focus on the ongoing proxy war fuelled by India. "This Indian sponsored proxy war is no longer hidden, it is an open malicious act of terrorism waged on our people, our progress, and our peace. We have concrete proof of India's hand behind terrorist networks operating in Balochistan," Field Marshal Munir said. "These nefarious attempts of the enemy will fail. The Pakistan Army, with the unwavering support of the nation and the brave Baloch people, will confront and crush every enemy, foreign or domestic, that dares to challenge our sovereignty." On the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted that Indian-sponsored proxies operating in Balochistan had intensified their efforts to undermine peace, destabilise the province, and disrupt development initiatives led by the government and the armed forces. He said that terrorist groups like the Fitna al-Hindustan sought support of the locals which must be denied to them. He stressed the need for engaging at the grassroots level and ensuring that terrorists found no social space. Praising the leadership and constructive role of the elders, Shehbaz reiterated that denying social space to terrorists was crucial for the success of counter-terrorism efforts and for the long-term peace and stability. He vowed that the enemies of peace would find no space to operate within Pakistan. "Our message to them is clear: the government, armed forces, the LEAs and the administrative apparatus," with the complete support of the people, would take the fight against terrorism to its logical conclusion and defeat terrorism in a decisive manner. Highlighting a series of monumental developmental packages for prosperity in Balochistan, the prime minister emphasised the need to ensure that people at the grassroots level benefited from the government's initiatives. He praised the people of Balochistan for their historic role in safeguarding the national unity and urged them to remain vigilant against foreign-backed subversion and sabotage orchestrated and sponsored by India. Prime Minister Shehbaz and Field Marshal Munir lauded the bravery and resilience of security forces and the LEAs operating in Balochistan. Shehbaz assured the families of Shuhada of full cooperation and support, and vowed that terrorists, their abettors, and facilitators would not be spared. The Jirga concluded with a unanimous pledge from tribal elders to stand shoulder to shoulder with the government of Pakistan and the armed forces, reaffirming their commitment to the security, stability, and development of Balochistan, the statement said. Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz visited the Command and Staff College in Quetta and addressed Students and Faculty of the college. His address reflected the government's commitment to strengthening Pakistan's defence institutions amid the evolving regional and internal security dynamics. Shehbaz underscored the importance of professional excellence, operational readiness, and strategic foresight in the face of emerging and hybrid threats, especially in sensitive regions like Balochistan, where Indian sponsored proxies target "our people and aim to disrupt our progress and prosperity".
Business Recorder
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
India-sponsored proxy war no longer hidden act, says Field Marshal
QUETTA: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir said that Indian sponsored proxy war is no longer hidden, it is an open malicious act of terrorism waged on our people, our progress, and our peace. During his interaction with the tribal elders, the army chief said that we have concrete proof of India's hand behind terrorist networks operating in Balochistan. These nefarious attempts of the enemy will fail.' The COAS affirmed that the Pakistan Army, with the unwavering support of the nation and the brave Baloch people, will confront and crush every enemy, foreign or domestic, that dares to challenge our sovereignty. Pakistan would never succumb to external coercion, says Field Marshal Munir Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir emphasized that the Pakistan Army remains fully alert and prepared to respond decisively to any threat. He reiterated that peace in Balochistan is non-negotiable and that the future of Pakistan is directly linked to a stable, prosperous Balochistan. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir NI (M), the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), jointly addressed a Grand Jirga of tribal elders today at the Zehri Auditorium in Quetta. The Jirga was convened to engage with the tribal leadership and discuss the evolving security situation in Balochistan, with a particular focus on what they termed the ongoing proxy war fueled by India. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that 'Indian-sponsored proxies,' including terrorist groups like 'Fitna Al-Hindustan,' have intensified their efforts to undermine peace, destabilize the province, and disrupt development initiatives led by the Government of Pakistan and the Armed Forces. He underscored the critical need to deny these groups any local support, emphasizing that grassroots engagement is crucial for the success of counter-terrorism efforts and for long-term peace and stability.
Express Tribune
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PM Shehbaz, Field Marshal Munir vow to crush Indian-sponsored terror in Balochistan at grand jirga
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Sunday jointly addressed a grand jirga of tribal elders at the Zehri Auditorium in Quetta, reaffirming the government's firm resolve to eradicate terrorism and counter Indian-sponsored proxy warfare in Balochistan. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, the jirga was convened to strengthen engagement with tribal leadership and to address the evolving security situation in the province. The statement noted that the primary focus was on countering the destabilising role of Indian proxies and reinforcing development efforts led by the state. The PM's Office stated that Premier Sharif highlighted how terrorist groups, supported and funded by India, have intensified efforts to undermine peace and stability in Balochistan. He specifically mentioned entities such as 'Fitna Al-Hindustan' and warned that these groups seek to exploit local grievances and gain community support, which must be firmly denied. Quoting the PM, the statement read: 'The enemies of peace will find no space to operate within Pakistan. Our message to them is clear: the Government, Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies and administrative apparatus, with the complete backing of the people, will take the nation's fight against terrorism to its logical conclusion—defeating terrorism in a decisive manner.' The PM's Office also stated that Sharif praised the constructive role of tribal elders in preserving national unity and emphasised the need for sustained grassroots engagement to ensure that terrorist groups remain isolated and unsupported. He further stressed that development initiatives must reach the local population to truly empower Balochistan. The statement quoted the PM as saying, 'We must ensure that the trickle-down effects of government development packages benefit every citizen. The people of Balochistan have played a historic role in safeguarding Pakistan's integrity, and we count on their continued vigilance against foreign-backed subversion.' During the interaction, Field Marshal Munir also addressed the gathering. He stated, 'This Indian-sponsored proxy war is no longer hidden—it is an open and malicious act of terrorism waged against our people, our progress, and our peace.' He emphasised that the Pakistan Army has concrete evidence of Indian involvement in the orchestration and support of terrorist networks within Balochistan, the statement maintained. 'The Pakistan Army, with the unwavering support of the nation and the brave Baloch people, will confront and crush every enemy, foreign or domestic, that dares to challenge our sovereignty,' the COAS said, according to the statement. He reiterated that peace in Balochistan is 'non-negotiable' and that the future of Pakistan is intrinsically tied to the province's stability and prosperity. The PM's Office also reported that both leaders lauded the bravery and resilience of security personnel and law enforcement agencies operating in Balochistan. PM Sharif assured the families of martyrs of the state's full support and pledged that those responsible for terrorism—including their facilitators and abettors—would be brought to justice. The jirga concluded with a unanimous pledge from tribal elders to stand shoulder to shoulder with the government and the armed forces, reaffirming their commitment to peace, security, and development in Balochistan, the statement added. Earlier in the day, PM Shehbaz visited the Command and Staff College Quetta, where he addressed student officers and faculty members. According to an official release, the visit underlined the government's commitment to enhancing the professionalism and strategic readiness of Pakistan's defence institutions. He stressed the need for operational excellence and strategic foresight in the face of evolving hybrid threats, especially in sensitive regions like Balochistan, where Indian-sponsored proxies attempt to destabilise the country and hinder national development.
India.com
a day ago
- Politics
- India.com
Fear Of India Will Divide Pakistan Into Pieces: BJP's Nishikant Dubey
Senior BJP leader and Lok Sabha member Nishikant Dubey on Sunday launched a scathing attack on Pakistan, saying that there is rebellion everywhere against its army, and the fear of India will divide it into pieces. He said that Pakistan is so burdened with debt that people are suffering from hunger and thirst. "There is rebellion everywhere against the Pakistani army, which is following the tradition of bullets in exchange for bread," Dubey said. "Pakistan sees its country being divided into pieces, so it is calling the fight for bread in Balochistan a fight against Islam, and is calling the citizens of its country agents of India. This fear of India will divide Pakistan into pieces," he wrote on his X handle in Hindi (loosely translated). Dubey, in his post on X, also shared an official letter from the Pakistan government's Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control. The letter is dated May 31, 2025, with the subject: "Reference to terrorist organisations in official correspondence and documents" written on it. Pakistan has alleged that the unrest in Balochistan is happening "at the behest of India" and this is "detrimental to Islamic faith and sovereignty of Pakistan". The people in Balochistan have been fighting for their rights, resources and dignity to live for the past several decades. The Baloch people, who are a unique ethno-linguistic group, have been the victims of marginalisation and subjugation in Pakistan. Despite being one of the largest Pakistani provinces, this region remains relatively underdeveloped and least populated. The region has abundant natural resources, which are being exploited by the Pakistani Army and other government bodies without giving any benefits to the locals. The people have intensified the struggle lately, even as a majority of their leaders have been arrested and imprisoned. A large number of civilians have also been arrested, and the Pakistan Army is notorious for extrajudicial killings in the region, which has further fuelled the hatred. The people in the region have been denied even the basic rights. Not taking into consideration the genuine demands of the people, the Pakistani government has labelled their protests as terrorist activities. In the Pakistan government's letter, it is mentioned that "keeping in view the involvement of some organisations and groups in terrorist activities in Balochistan, at the behest of India (Hindustan), which are detrimental to Islamic faith and sovereignty of Pakistan, and customary traditions, it has been decided that, henceforth, all Terrorist Groups and Organizations operating in Balochistan will be referred to as 'Fitna al Hindustan'." The letter states that the "change aims to reflect the true nature and ideology of these terrorist organisations and groups and nefarious designs of India (Hindustan) against the people of Pakistan". The communication further says that all government entities need to adopt and use this stance. Dubey has also questioned the IMF loan to Pakistan. He said in another post on X that whether the IMF or China, America, Saudi Arabia, or Turkey is giving a loan to Pakistan, all the money will go down the drain. "Worthless Pakistan will perish under the burden of debt," he said.
