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Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Two Baloch civilians killed by state-backed death squads; rights groups call for justice
In two separate incidents of extrajudicial killings in Balochistan, two Baloch civilians, Yasir Baloch and Musafir Baloch, were reportedly killed by operatives of state-backed death squads in the Kech and Turbat regions, intensifying concerns among rights groups over the continued targeting of Baloch youth by Pakistsecurity forces and affiliated militias. On May 20, Yasir Baloch, son of Nasram Baloch and a resident of Geshkur, Tehsil Buleda in the Kech district, was shot and killed by members of a death squad allegedly backed by Pakistani forces. Yasir was working as a daily wage labourer in a local orchard and was the sole breadwinner for his family. His killing has left his relatives devastated and local communities alarmed, according to a statement by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee. Ten days later, on May 30, another Baloch civilian, Musafir Baloch, son of Pir Dad and a resident of Apsar, Turbat, was similarly gunned down by operatives of a state-backed militia. Musafir, a professional driver, was reportedly targeted without cause. Also Read: At least 21 Palestinians killed while heading to Gaza aid hub, hospital says Both killings are part of what rights activists describe as a systematic campaign of extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances in Balochistan. Over the past two decades, numerous cases have surfaced involving Baloch students, teachers, labourers, and ordinary civilians being abducted or killed by shadowy armed groups operating with impunity, allegedly under the protection or direct command of Pakistani security institutions. Live Events The killings of Yasir and Musafir have sparked renewed calls from human rights organisations for an international investigation into state-linked violence in the region. Advocacy groups urge the global community to press Islamabad to halt these unlawful killings and hold perpetrators accountable.
Arab News
29-05-2025
- General
- Arab News
International rights bodies write joint letter to Pakistani PM calling for releases of Baloch activists
ISLAMABAD: Amnesty International along with four other human rights organizations on Wednesday wrote to the Pakistani prime minister, calling for an end to the 'harassment and arbitrary detention' of Baloch human rights defenders (HRDs) exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, particularly in Balochistan province. The letter comes in the wake of Dr. Mahrang Baloch, one of the leading campaigners for the Baloch minority and the leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), and a number of other activists, being arrested in March on charges of terrorism, sedition and murder. Security forces are battling a growing insurgency in Balochistan, an impoverished province that borders Afghanistan and Iran. Rights groups say the violence has been countered with a severe crackdown that has swept up innocent people. Authorities deny heavy handedness. 'All five organizations — Amnesty International, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), Front Line Defenders, International Federation for Human Rights, World Organization Against Torture — appeal to Pakistan's Prime Minister to release Baloch human rights defenders and end the crackdown on dissent in line with Pakistan's international human rights obligations,' Amnesty Internation said on X, sharing a copy of the joint letter. The joint letter called on the government to take the following steps: Immediately and unconditionally release all Baloch HRDs and their family members 'arbitrarily detained solely for peacefully exercising their rights in line with the right to liberty and safety'; drop all charges against them; pending their release, ensure the safety of HRDs and family members, including by sharing accurate information about their whereabouts, providing effective access to family members, legal counsel and medical treatment; conduct a thorough, impartial, effective and transparent investigation into the allegations of torture and mistreatment by Pakistani authorities of Baloch HRDs under detention; end the crackdown against HRDs, journalists, protesters and dissidents by ensuring their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are fully protected; cease all forms of reprisals against family members of HRDs; and conduct an 'effective, prompt, thorough and impartial investigation into the unlawful use of force' against protesters including Dr. Baloch on March 21 in Quetta and bring those suspected of responsibility to justice through fair trials. Activists say in the crackdown against militancy in Balochistan, authorities have harassed and even carried out extrajudicial killings of Baloch civilians. Pakistani authorities reject the 'baseless allegations.' A dozen UN experts called on Pakistan in March to immediately release Baloch rights defenders, including Dr. Baloch, and to end the repression of their peaceful protests. UN special rapporteur for human rights defenders Mary Lawlor said she was 'disturbed by reports of further mistreatment in prison.' Balochistan is the site of a long-running separatist movement, with insurgent groups accusing the state of unfairly exploiting Balochistan's rich gas and mineral resources. The federal and provincial governments deny this, saying they are spending billions of rupees on the uplift of the province's people.
NDTV
25-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
"Kill And Dump": Baloch Journalist Killed In Front Of Family In Pakistan
Islamabad: A journalist in Pakistan's Balochistan province was allegedly killed when he resisted an abduction attempt by unidentified gunmen on Saturday. The journalist, Abdul Latif, who belonged to the Baloch community, was shot dead in front of his wife and children, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee said in a statement. Latif had worked with publications like Daily Intikhab and Aaj News, and was known for his fearless reporting on human rights violations and resistance in the war-torn province. A senior police official said that the journalist was shot dead when the gunmen entered his house and tried to kidnap him. "When he resisted, he was shot dead, killing him on the spot," Deputy Superintendent of Police, Daniyal Kakar, said. The assailants managed to escape, and no arrests have been made so far. An investigation into the killing is underway, police said. Incidentally, Latif's eldest son, Saif Baloch, and seven other family members were also kidnapped a few months ago and were later found dead. "This is not just a tragedy for one family--it is an act of terror meant to silence an entire people," said the Baloch Yakjehti Committee in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter). "We call on the United Nations, international media, and press freedom organisations to break their silence and confront these crimes against humanity." Journalist organisations, including the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), have also condemned Latif's killing. The incident is being seen as part of Pakistan's alleged 'kill and dump' campaign targeting journalists, activists and intellectuals in the troubled province. Shalee Baloch, organiser of the Baloch Women Forum, posted on X, "The egregious killing of journalist Abdul Latif in Mashkay, Awaran district starkly highlights the ongoing human rights abuses in Balochistan, necessitating immediate accountability and transparency. This incident exemplifies the systemic violence perpetrated by state officials against the Baloch people, characterised by enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings." She urged the international community to acknowledge the severity of the human rights situation and pressure Pakistan to ensure accountability. "The persistent silence surrounding the Baloch genocide is untenable, and prompt action is essential to prevent further bloodshed. Justice must, once and for all, prevail," she added.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Kill and dump': Baloch journalist gunned down in front of family in Pakistan
Picture source: The Balochistan point Abdul Latif Baloch, a well-known journalist in Pakistan's Balochistan province, was shot dead inside his home in Mashkay, in the wee hours of Saturday. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a local rights group, confirmed that he was shot by state-backed armed groups at around 3 am, in front of his wife and children, reported news agency ANI. Latif was respected for his fearless coverage of human rights abuses and military operations in Balochistan. His work focused on enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the struggle of ordinary Baloch citizens. His death underlines the extreme risk faced by reporters in Pakistan. This incident comes just months after his son, Saif Baloch, and seven other family members were reportedly abducted by security forces and later found dead. Activists describe these patterns of violence as part of Pakistan's 'kill and dump' policy, used to silence dissent and suppress the Baloch identity. Shalee Baloch of the Baloch Women Forum described the killing as part of 'systemic violence' against the Baloch people. She urged international organisations and media to intervene, saying silence from the global community is enabling further bloodshed. Human rights groups and press freedom organisations have condemned the assassination and are calling for urgent international pressure on Pakistan with regard to Balochistan. The region has been the site of persistent and grave human rights violations, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the suppression of dissenting voices.
Hindustan Times
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Baloch journalist Abdul Latif assassinated inside home in front of his wife, children
In a chilling escalation of violence against journalists in Balochistan, renowned journalist Abdul Latif Baloch was brutally assassinated in the early hours of May 24 inside his home in Mashkay, district Awaran. According to the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, he was shot dead at approximately 3 am by Pakistani state-backed militias, in full view of his wife and children. Abdul Latif Baloch was widely respected for his fearless reporting on human rights violations and resistance in the war-torn province. His work gave voice to the oppressed and documented the suffering of Baloch communities under Pakistani military operations. In a region where journalism is often criminalized, his assassination underscores the extreme risks faced by truth-tellers. This killing is part of what Baloch activists describe as Pakistan's "kill and dump" policy--a systematic campaign to silence dissent and erase Baloch identity. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee noted that just months ago, Abdul Latif's son, Saif Baloch, along with seven other family members, were forcibly disappeared by security forces and later found dead. "This is not just a tragedy for one family--it is an act of terror meant to silence an entire people," said the Committee in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter). "We call on the United Nations, international media, and press freedom organizations to break their silence and confront these crimes against humanity." Shalee Baloch, organizer of the Baloch Women Forum, posted on X, "The egregious killing of journalist Abdul Latif in Mashkay, Awaran district starkly highlights the ongoing human rights abuses in Balochistan, necessitating immediate accountability and transparency. This incident exemplifies the systemic violence perpetrated by state officials against the Baloch people, characterized by enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings." She added, "The international community must acknowledge the severity of the human rights situation and pressurize the state to ensure accountability. The persistent silence surrounding the Baloch genocide is untenable, and prompt action is essential to prevent further bloodshed. Justice must, once and for all, prevail." The assassination has sparked outrage among human rights groups and press freedom advocates, who emphasize the urgent need for international intervention and accountability in Balochistan. (ANI)
