Families Allege 'Fake Encounter' of Brothers by Pakistani Forces in Balochistan

The families of two brothers, Muhammad Ismail and Muhammad Abbas, claim they were killed by Pakistani forces in a 'fake encounter' in Balochistan. The families dispute the military's account, stating the brothers were forcibly taken from their home and shot dead. The incident has raised concerns about human rights abuses in the region.

The families of two young brothers, Muhammad Ismail, 20, and Muhammad Abbas, 17, allege that Pakistani security forces killed them in an 'orchestrated encounter' in the Balochistan province, reports The Balochistan Post. According to the families, their sons were forcefully taken from their home and shot dead nearby on the night of September 7.

Pakistani military's public relations wing, ISPR, previously claimed that the two were suspects eliminated during a 'clearance operation' following an intense exchange of fire. However, the families contest this version, terming it a 'fake encounter'. They allege that Pakistani forces threw a grenade into their home and started shooting before abducting and killing the brothers.

Muhammad Ismail, who suffered a medical condition leaving him partially paralyzed without daily medication, and Muhammad Abbas, who worked to support his paralyzed father, were discovered dead with their bodies riddled with bullets. The families rushed to the scene upon hearing gunshots but found no authorities accountable for the deaths. Rights groups have raised alarms over extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)