Rising Tensions in Balochistan Amid Surge in Disappearances and Unidentified Bodies

At least six bodies have been found in Balochistan, Pakistan, sparking fears and demands for accountability amid rising enforced disappearances. Five bodies were discovered in Khuzdar, including four individuals forcibly disappeared in July. Detentions and disappearances continue in the region, deepening the ongoing crisis.

At least six dead bodies have been discovered in various parts of Balochistan, Pakistan, raising alarm and adding to the escalating crisis in the region, The Balochistan Post reported. Identification efforts are ongoing. The bodies and the frequency of enforced disappearances have fueled fears and heightened calls for accountability from families and local human rights organizations.

Five bodies were found in Khuzdar district and taken to Khuzdar Civil Hospital. Those identified include Fayaz Jattak, Saeed Ghulamani, Saeed Miraji, and Nisar Ahmed, all reportedly detained in July by Pakistani forces and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), according to The Balochistan Post. Another body was unearthed near Saleh Sheikh Goth in Hub Chowki, also sent for identification.

Additionally, six individuals have reportedly been detained by Pakistani forces in Balochistan and Karachi. Asif Jan Baloch, a senior member of the Barkhan Youth Union, was detained by the Kohlu Commandant on Wednesday, causing concern among his family. Nadeem Bewas was detained earlier this week in Naseerabad, his whereabouts unknown. Brothers Bakhtiar and Kamran were forcibly disappeared from Chief Chowk on Wednesday, leading to a family sit-in at Red Zone Kharan, demanding their release.

In another incident, Husnain, son of Khalid from Balochabad Kech Mand, and Rehman, son of Aslam from Peshin, were detained by Karachi police and intelligence personnel on July 27 in Karachi's Leemarket area. Their families reported visiting local police stations, only to be told the police were unaware of the detentions, suggesting intelligence involvement. Family members noted sporadic activation of detained persons' phone numbers, further adding to their distress.

(With inputs from agencies.)