Ongoing Unrest in Balochistan: Forced Abduction of Singer Sparks Outrage

The situation in Balochistan remains tense as the Pakistan army is accused of forcibly abducting singer Riaz Ahmed Baloch for protesting against governmental oppression. The Baloch community continues to face severe human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances and violent crackdowns on protestors, as reported by various local groups.

Unrest in Balochistan continues as Pakistan's army forcibly abducted singer Riaz Ahmed Baloch for protesting against the oppression of the Pakistani regime. Pakistan's security forces face accusations of severe atrocities against the Baloch community. Riaz Ahmed Baloch was forcibly disappeared in Quetta, reported The Balochistan Post.

According to a statement from the Baloch Yakjheti Committee, Riaz Ahmed Baloch was abducted on the evening of August 14 at 7 pm, a resident of Jinnah Town, Killi Shabo. Targeted due to his singing, his family plans to hold a press conference demanding his release and announcing further actions if he is not freed.

Bebarg Baloch, a leader of BYC, criticized the Pakistani state for failing to honor agreements from the Baloch Raaji Muchi negotiations. Although the agreement included protection for activists, instances of enforced disappearances have reportedly increased.

The Baloch community has endured human rights abuses by the Pakistani army for decades. The human rights wing of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), PAANK, detailed ongoing abuses in its July report. The report mentioned 35 enforced disappearances, three extrajudicial killings, and 13 cases of extrajudicial torture in August.

The report also alleged that Pakistani authorities imposed communication blackouts, shutting down internet and mobile networks in key areas like Gwadar. This exacerbated the isolation and vulnerability of the local population. Despite growing protests, the military's response has been increasingly brutal, resulting in three deaths and hundreds of injuries in Gwadar. According to PAANK, these factors further isolate and endanger the local population.

(With inputs from agencies.)